£,*- 







• I hi '.ill' 



Il I I'll I! |: I || ll| 1,1! |;'! II \ 



THE 



HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHY 



PARISH OF KIRKBURTON 



AND OP THE 



(Sratejjij of |§.o.lmc. 



INCLUDING 



HOLMFIRTH 



IN THE COUNTY OF YORK. 



numerous .'.Wlustrafums. 



HENRY JAMES MOREHOUSE, 



HUDDERSFIELD : 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY H. ROEBUCK, KING-STREET. 
MDCCOLXI. 






/ o% ) 2. 

'61 



TO 

THE EIGHT HONOURABLE 

(gwrrge Jxttorith Samuel, (S mcl be <Sreg mxtr gxpom 

My Loed, 

In the desire to Dedicate to your Lordship the result 
of my humble Topographical labours, I was influenced by the relation 
in which your Lordship stood towards the "West-Riding of Yorkshire, 
as one of its Representatives in Parliament, at the time when this 
work was announced for publication. Although that relation exists 
no longer, the desire which prompted my wish remains unabated ; and 
I gladly embrace the opportunity afforded me of expressing my 
sincere admiration of the zeal which your Lordship still manifests in 
promoting the welfare of all classes of the community, by upholding 
in their efficiency our time-honoured institutions — both civil and 
religious : whilst consistently supporting every measure tending to 
adapt them to the altered circumstances and requirements of the age. 

With sentiments of sincere and grateful respect, I avail myself 
of the permission so courteously granted to DEDICATE this work 
to your Lordship ; and have the honour to remain 

Your Lordship's 
Most obliged and humble Servant, 

HENRY JAS. MOREHOUSE. 



LIST OF PLATES AND ENGRAVINGS. 



PAGE 

The Church of Burton Frontispiece 

Map ot the District . . 1 

British Weapon . . 3 

British and Roman Earthworks 4 

Flint Arrowhead . . . . » 6 

Flint Weapon . . . » . . . . 7 

Roman Coins . . . . ., 7 and 8 

Roman Spearhead . „ .. .. 9 

Quern 10 

Lich Gate 58 

West Door of Burton Church . , » 60 

Silver Ring, or Hoop for the Finger , 63 

Arms of the Lords of Shelley . . . 92 

Shepley Hall 99 

Remains of an old Manor House in Shepley .. .. .. .. 105 

Shepley Church » . . . 108 

Storthes Hall 114 

Arms of the Horsfalls .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 117 

Christ Church, Newmill 153 

Holmfirth Church .. .. 155 

Town Hall, Holmfirth 170 

Tradesman's Token .. 171 

Totties Hall 176 

Old Genn's Dial __ 178 

Moorcroft 1 79 

Lydgate Chapel and Parsonage 180 

Friends' Meeting House - 193 

St. David's Church, Holme Bridge .. .. 216 

St. John's Church, Upper-Thong 218 

Lane Independent Chapel . . 219 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 222 

Almshouses 240 



PREFACE. 



In giving to the public the result of his labours, the Author feels it due both to 
them and himself, briefly to state some of the circumstances which led him to 
engage in this work. 

On settling down, more than thirty years ago, to the active duties of a laborious 
profession, in his native valley, surrounded by an industrious and enterprising 
people actively engaged in manufactures, and amidst scenery highly diversified 
and pleasing, the desire to know something of the district and its inhabitants in 
the " olden time," would seem a natural and perhaps a grateful curiosity. 

On referring to the topographical works connected with this part of Yorkshire, 
he found them almost silent in relation to his own parish. 

Dr. Wkitaker, whose learned and comprehensive labours in the field of topo- 
graphy are deserving of grateful remembrance, gives in his large and expensive 
work, "Loidis et Elmete" only a very brief account of the Church of Burton, 
the materials for which seem to have been hastily gathered, and after describing 
the descent of the lordship of Burton, he incidentally mentions Storthes Hall, the 
residence of the Horsfalls, and then he says, " Scarce another family seems to 
have arisen in the parish, which begins almost immediately to approach the hills, 
and where the climate becomes more ungenial, and the soil less productive." He 
therefore passes over the remainder of the parish, recording only the names of the 
townships, and their population ; except that in relation to Holmfirth Chapel 
[Church], he furnishes some data respecting its early foundation. 

Watson's and other histories of Halifax contain allusions to the district ; but 
with the exception of it being part of the same baronial fee, they furnish little 
directly to the Author's purpose. 

Mr. Hunter, in his " SouthYorJcshire," records incidentally some interesting facts. 
From that very excellent and valuable work, and from his "HallamsMre" the 



VI. PREFACE. 

Author has derived considerable assistance in the prosecution of his labours, 
either in guiding his enquiries or in furnishing more material aid. 

While the concluding sheets of this work were passing through the press, the 
Author received the painful intelligence of Mr. Hunter's death, at the advanced 
age of seventy-eight years. 

He had been many years an Assistant Commissioner of Public Eecords, — a 
situation for which he was eminently fitted by his extensive knowledge and 
accurate attainments. It is due to Mr. Hunter's memory that the Author also 
acknowledge here his personal obligations, for the readiness and uniform courtesy 
with which he replied to his numerous enquiries in relation to Yorkshire 
topography : a subject with which he was peculiarly conversant, and in the 
advancement of which he manifested a lively interest. 

In the summer of 1852, shortly after the Holmfirth catastrophe, Mr. Hunter 
was led to visit this neighbourhood. On that occasion he did the Author the 
honour of spending the day with him, when they went, in company with a mutual 
friend, over the course of the devastating flood, * which seemed deeply and 
painfully to impress him. His unabated attachment to his native county — the 
scenes of his early topographical labours — was remarkably manifested on the 
occasion of a visit a few years ago, by the circumstance of choosing for himself a 
resting-place in the church- yard of Ecclesfield, a pleasant village in Hallamshire. 
There he was interred, May 15th, 1861. 

The Author has already intimated the comparative absence of published records 
connected with the district, and he believes no attempt had hitherto been made 
towards compiling its historical materials. With a view to satisfy his own 
curiosity, he adopted the plan of jotting down from time to time, when opportunity 
offered, traditions and facts communicated by aged intelligent persons, which 
seemed deserving of notice ; and likewise took notes of all deeds and other 
evidences connected with "olden time," which came in his way; also copies 
of ancient charters, whether belonging to his own or the surrounding districts : 
thus his materials accumulated insensibly, when at length an unexpected circum- 
stance occurred, which placed in his possession a number of family documents and 
evidences, some of which proved of considerable loeal historic value. 



PREFACE. VL1. 

Although it must be admitted that by this plan, many documents of no real 
importance have been noted, still, on the whole, he believes much interesting 
matter has been preserved which otherwise might have perished. 

What was, therefore, first begun to satisfy his own curiosity, at length so far 
rewarded his researches, and enlisted his sympathies, that at the desire of some 
of his friends, for whose judgment he felt great deference, he was led, in 1844, to 
issue a prospectus, with the intention of laying before the public the result of his 
labours. The public did not then evince much interest in the undertaking, and it 
was therefore postponed, if not abandoned. 

It was not till the autumn of 1858 that some of his friends again urged upon 
him the importance of supplying such a desideratum, and kindly undertook to 
interest themselves to obtain subscribers among their acquaintance. The question 
of the intrinsic value of the materials here laid before the public, the Author leaves 
to the decision of his readers, feeling more solicitous himself respecting a judicious 
selection and appreciation of them for topographical purposes. 

While thus engaged, he has experienced much inconvenience and serious 
disadvantage in being so remote from a good topographical library, to which he 
could, consequently, only have an occasional access, and for very brief periods. 
This circumstance must necessarily have rendered his work deficient in literary 
research and taste, although he believes it has had the effect of stimulating his 
enquiries, and leading him to rely more upon the result of his own collections of 
local evidences, which perhaps may be accepted by those of his readers in the 
district, as compensating to some extent for the deficiency in artistic merit. 

Humble as his efforts have been, the Author is free to confess that as his 
enquiries and researches advanced, the subject itself rose in interest and 
importance ; he trusts that something of this feeling may be excited in his 
readers ; and if the work should in any degree contribute to increase the taste for 
such enquiries in districts where little has hitherto been done, the Author will 
feel satisfied. 

Another remark the Author takes leave to make respecting himself in relation 
to his topographical labours. He first began to arrange his materials and to 
give them an historical character, during a period of protracted ill health, when 



Vlll. PREFACE. 

the subject was taken up with a view to " beguile the tedious hours ;" had it 
been otherwise, the time which must necessarily have been bestowed upon their 
arrangement could not have been given ; and he would have rested content with 
the pleasure derived from collecting them. 

Since the first issue of his prospectus in 1844, several of his friends to whom 
he had been under obligation, have passed from among us, and are now beyond 
the reach of grateful acknowledgments. 

To the Clergy and Dissenting Ministers of the district, the Author has been 
much indebted ; and from many other friends — especially Henry Lumb, Esq., the 
venerable Deputy-Steward of the Manor of Wakefield — the Author has received 
valuable aid : to eaoh and all he begs to return his cordial thanks. 

Stoney Bank, 

May 28^, 1861. 



THE HISTORY OF KIRKBURTON 



THE GRAVESHIP OF HOLME. 



PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL REMARKS. 

The district which is here brought under the notice of the reader, adjoins upon, and 
forms a portion of, the extensive mountain range called the English Apennines, 
the highest part of which is 1860 feet above the level of the sea. It is intersected 
by numerous ravines and deep narrow valleys. Two considerable rivers take their 
rise upon the moorlands within the Graveship of Holme, — the Dearne and the 
Don, which traverse the southern parts of Yorkshire. The rivulet which descends 
through the Burton valley, takes its rise in the townships of Shelley, Shepley, and 
Cumberworth ; and unites with the Colne below Huddersfield. The river Holme 
or Koine, also takes its rise upon the high ground to the west, and is formed by 
the confluence of several small brooks and rivulets at Hinchliff Mill, whence it 
flows in a rapid stream in a northerly direction ; receiving in its course through 
the Holme valley a number of rivulets until its junction with the Colne, near 
Huddersfield. 

The whole of the district is composed of hill and dale, and abounds in fertile 
spots and romantic scenery ; and is the highest part of the southern boundary of 
the Upper Division of the Wapentake of Agbrigg. Notwithstanding the apparent 
irregularity of its surface, an attentive observer will perceive a great uniformity 
in the general contour of the hills, as well as of the more open plains, which 
stretch out and dip towards the' east, or nearly so, while the different strata of 
underlying rocks are seen occasionally breaking out on the more abrupt western 
side. Yet the natural form of the hills which are covered with verdure is generally 
smooth and regular. On the high moorlands near " Cook's Study," are numerous 



(JSmtral Historical HUmarhs. 



quarries of slate and flag, which, since the enclosure of these commons, not only- 
supply the surrounding neighbourhood, but also a very large demand from the 
Lancashire and Cheshire manufacturing districts, whither the stone is conveyed 
from the Dunford Bridge Station, along the Sheffield and Manchester Railway, 
which traverses this high district. 

In the eastern part of the parish, coal is being worked of a superior quality, 
being part of the Emley Moor beds ; these are, however, quickly thrown out : while 
in the more western part there are only two thin seams of coal varying from one 
to two feet in thickness, both of which are thrown out on approaching the principal 
stream of the Holme valley ; and though of inferior quality, this coal is much in 
demand for manufacturing purposes. These are the lowest known beds, except 
the mountain mine, which is worthless. In the shale, above the coal, occur several 
thin beds of iron-stone, which are found to yield a large per centage of metal, of 
a superior quality, affording sufficient encouragement to induce the formation of 
a highly respectable company, who have obtained a lease of the coal and minerals 
under the common lands of the Graveship, from the Lord of the Manor, and a 
considerable plant, for the smelting of the ore, was put down in (1858) on Crow- 
edge, in the township of Hepworth. 

The district has the advantage of direct railway communication, by means of 
the Huddersfield and Penistone line, belonging to the Lancashire and Yorkshire 
Company, which passes through north and south, from which a line of about 
two miles in length branches off at the Brockholes Station to Holmfirth, where it 
terminates. 



General Historical Remarks. 

The whole of Yorkshire constituted part of the territory of the Brigantines, 
and was occupied by that fearless and warlike people, who had, however, to 
succumb to the superior skill and prowess of the Romans. It can scarcely be 
questioned that when the Britons were driven from the more fertile parts of the 
country, they took refuge in these mountainous districts, which were then so 
covered with timber and underwood intersected with bogs and swamps, as to 
render them, for a time at least, secure in these fastnesses. 

Of the existence of this people here, few vestiges now remain, or at least have 
come under my observation. In 1830, a "British Celt (or stone battle-axe) was 
found near Pike-Law above Mealhill : it measured rather more than seven inches 



general historical Eimtarhs. 



in leno-th, and about three inches in breadth at the broadest part. Its weight was 
two pounds ten ounces. In shape it nearly resembled the common axe of the 
present day, — the cutting edge wedge-shaped, and about three inches broad on 
the face ; the other end being rounded, and about five inches and a half in circum- 
ference." This relic shortly afterwards fell into the hands of the late Mr. Thomas 
Pitt, of Huddersfield. 

In 1845, another of these weapons was found near High-Flats, in the township 
of Denby, in a piece of common land, the property of Mr. Herbert Dickenson, of 
that place, by one of his workmen, while engaged in making a drain, and at about 
two feet from the surface. It is wedge-shaped, is six inches and three-quarters 




^%^ 



in length, and about three inches and a quarter on the cutting edge, gradually 
tapering to the other end to about two inches, being about one inch and three- 
quarters at the thickest part ; the cutting edge is formed by a rapid slope on each 
side, of nearly two inches and a half, forming a uniform convex edge, like that of 
a common axe, and as fine as the quality of the stone would admit. It has a 
dusky white appearance, with a polished surface — of a close texture, having much 
the look of iron-stone where the polish has been slightly rubbed off. Its weight 
is two pounds nine ounces. (See engraving.) 

No Roman roads traversed this district, or approached within several miles, — 
that which passed over Slack, in Longwood, being probably the nearest ; and to 
which place Watson, and Whitaker of Manchester, have assigned the Cambodunum 
of the Romans, as described in the second Iter of Antoninus, from Mancunium 
(Manchester) to Bboracum (York). This is, however, by no means a settled 
question, and when all the evidences are duly considered, perhaps the suggestion 
of Horsley may appear the most probable, that in Greetland, in the parish of 
Halifax, was in reality the site of this long disputed Roman station.* 

* See an interesting paper on this subject in the Archaeology, vol. xxii. p. 16, by the Rev. J. Hunter, F.S.A. 

A 2 



<&mtxnl pistoncal JUmmrhs. 



The only existence of earthworks, probably appertaining to this remote period, 
occur on the Low Moor, adjoining the Denby enclosure ; the most material part, 
however, being within that township, on a gentle eminence, at a considerable 
elevation, called Castle-Hill, about a quarter of a mile from the boundary of the 
G-raveship, on the right-hand side of the road leading to High-Flats. But whether 
of British, Roman, or early Saxon origin, it seems now difficult to determine, as 
one half of the trenches have been levelled for the purpose of agriculture. The 
subjoined sketch will best convey to the reader its precise appearance. At the 
low corner of the entrenchment, near where a stone quarry has been opened, is a 
fine spring of water. 




It may be remarked here that the two large British weapons which have already 
been described, were found at no great distance from this place — the one found 
near High-Flats being within half-a-mile to the east, and the other scarcely ex- 
ceeding a mile to the west of these earthworks. This would seem to give some 
countenance to the supposition that this encampment on Castle-Hill had a British 
origin. No remains have, however, been found on the spot to furnish satisfactory 
data for determining the question. 



(Stircral jpistorical JJcmitrhs. 



On the road from Piper "Well, towards the Broadstone which runs nearly in a 
straight line from north to south, and forms the boundary of the Grraveship, 
separating it from the townships of Cumberworth and Denby, is a plot of common 
land which has recently been brought into cultivation. It was purchased at the 
enclosure, by the late Mr. Isaac P. Newton, of Stagwood-Hill, but is now the 
property of Mr. Arthur B. Newton, his son, and of Mr. Charles Lockwood and 
Mr. John Robertson, in right of their respective wives. 

This piece of ground was anciently called " Burnt Cumberworth." Under what 
circumstances it came to be so designated it is now impossible satisfactorily to say. 

Along these several plots of land previously to their being cultivated, were a 
considerable number of ridges, running in tolerably straight parallel hues of 
irregular lengths of six to ten or twelve yards ; these were crossed at right angles, 
at irregular distances of from seven or eight yards to fifteen or twenty, the lines 
not always very straight or continuous. Into many of these comparatively square 
compartments there was an entrance left in the trench of from one to two yards 
in width. In some of them the trenches were complete, forming a square, while 
other portions had no corresponding trench at the opposite end. These ridges were 
very uniform in height, seldom exceeding half-a-yard ; they disappeared suddenly 
on approaching the declivities, but reappeared at some distance on higher ground. 

Tho stones which had been gathered off these plots were generally very small, 
and some of them of a red colour, indicating the effects of fire, but none, so far 
as could be learnt from the person who farms the property, shewed any appearance 
of having been employed for building purposes. On that piece of land adjoining 
the Broadstone rivulet, now the property of Mr. A. B. Newton, the farmer, when 
engaged in breaking it up, discovered a floor composed of moderate sized grit 
stones, not squared but fitted irregularly together, covering a space of about four 
yards square. Several of these stones lay near the place when I examined it, one 
side of each being rough and uneven, while the other was smooth and regular as 
if caused by the attrition of the feet ; no other indication appeared of its having 
been a habitation. 

About three hundred yards distant from this place on the declivity towards the 
rivulet, a considerable quantity of iron scoriae had been found, which the farmer 
had endeavoured to bury, by covering with soil; many pieces of the scoriae I 
readily found, which contain a considerable proportion of metal.* 

No coins have been found at Castle-Hill, or Burnt Cumberworth ; but a British 

* The Romans are stated to have used foot blasts to smelt their ore ; which was, therefore, very imperfectly done. 



6cneral historical Bcmarhs. 




arrow head of flint was found in 1835, by Mr. 
Joseph Firth, of Carr-Hill, about three hundred 
yards to the west of Burnt Cumberworth, when 
the commons were being broken up. We subjoin 
an engraving of its actual size. Although it has 
been chipped into shape, the edges are remarkably 
fine, but the point has been broken off. These 
discoveries probably may give some force to the conjecture that Burnt Cumber- 
worth was a British settlement, nevertheless the earthworks are not very charac- 
teristic of that people ; therefore, amidst our conjectures, it still remains uncertain 
to what people these works are to be assigned. 

It may here be men- 
tioned that about fifteen 
years since a small flint 
weapon, weighing ex- 
actly six ounces and a 
half, was found on Mel- 
tham Moor, within about 
three hundred yards of 
the boundary lines which 
divide these commons 

from those of the Graveship of Holme, and Netherthong township. It was dis- 
covered by James Redfearn, while engaged in breaking up a piece of land, and is 
now in the author's possession. It is five inches and a half in length, with a polished 
surface. Its cutting edge is about two inches, which is wrought very fine ; it 
gradually tapers to about an inch at the other end. (See the engraving.) 

If we have no positive appearance of earthworks belonging to the Romans in 
the district, we possess incontestable evidences of their presence, by the occasional 
discovery of their money ; some of these coins we will proceed to notice. There 
is little doubt that single coins may occasionally have been picked up, which, 
having fallen into the hands of persons ignorant of their historic value, and 
regardless of their preservation, have been lost, and no account of them preserved. 

In 1830, an Aureus of Carinus was found in Holmfirth by James Barroclough, 
in his garden, in South-Lane. It shortly afterwards passed into the hands of the 
late John Harpin, Esq., J. P., of Birk's House.* Obverse, a laureated bust, with 




* Now in the possession of his son, John Harpin, Esq., J. P., to whom I urn under obligation for the loan of it, for this 
engraving. 



(general historical |{cmarhs. 




legend, m. aur. carinus nob. caes ; reverse, Victory 
standing on a globe, with a palm-branch in the left 
hand, and a wreath in the right ; legend, victoria 
aug. This coin is in very fine preservation. 
A Theca of Roman money was foimd at Wistance in Thurstonland, on the 22nd 
May, 1838, by a labourer on the farm then occupied by Mrs. Orowther, the pro- 
perty of C. H. Bill, Esq. The person was employed in digging around the sides 
of a field near to the house, when he struck his spade into the treasure, to his no 
small astonishment and joy. It was estimated that there would be from six to 
eight hundred small copper pieces, most of which were quickly dispersed through 
the neighbourhood. They were all encrusted by a green oxide, by which many of 
them were closely cemented together, and on its removal, many were found so 
much corroded as to render it impossible to assign them to their respective reigns. 
Nearly all of them are of the third or small brass, while several are distinguished 
by somewhat rare reverses. 

The following constitute the series in my possession, viz : — 

1. (Silver.) Obverse, bust; legend, julia mamaea aug.; 
reverse, a female figure standing, supported by a staff in 
the left hand; legend, juno conservator. This is believed 
to have been the only silver coin found in this collection. 

2. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown ; legend, gallienus aug.; reverse, 
figure representing the upper part of a man, holding a strung bow, and the body 
of a horse ; legend, obliterated. 

3. (Brass.) Obverse, bust; legend, c. salonina aug.; reverse, a stag; legend, 
partly lost. 

4. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, posthumus; reverse, 
nearly obliterated. 

5. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; 
legend, imp. victorinus p. e. aug.; reverse, a Victory; 
legend, partly obliterated. 

6. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, tetricus p. p. aug.; 
reverse, a female figure holding a staff in the right hand. 

7. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, pivi su tetricus aug.; 
reverse, a figure holding in the right hand an olive branch; legend, partly ob- 
literated. In the last coin (No. 6), the head displays a large beard. No. 7 has 





8 



(*5eirentl Historical JUmaxIis. 




no beard. This is usually regarded as the distinction between the elder and the 
younger Tetricus. 

8. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, imp. Claudius Aug.; 
reverse, a female figure, to the right of which is XII ; legend, partly obliterated. 

Another of Claudius, on the reverse an eagle rising on its wings ; legend, 

C0NSECBATI0. 

9. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, imp. cl. tacitus AUG.; 
on the reverse, a Victory ; legend, maps victob. 

Another of Tacitus : obverse, the head and 
legend as before ; reverse, a female figure holding a 
spear in the left hand, and in the right an olive 
branch; legend, pax aeteena. 

10. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, imp. c. peobus p. 
f. AUG.; reverse, the goddess of plenty; legend, abundantia. This is in fine 
preservation, and nearly the size of a shilling. 

(Brass.) Another of Probus : obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, imp. 

0. fit. auz. peobus aug. ; reverse, a Roman Temple, within is seated the 

Emperor ; legend, eegea aeteena. This is in good 
preservation, except that two small pieces have 
been broken off at the edge. It is larger in size 
than the last one, and seems to have been struck as 
a medal on his being raised to the Imperial Throne. 

The reverse, however, is probably unique, as it does not appear in Ackerman, on 

the Roman Coinage. 

11. (Brass.) Obverse, head with radiated crown; legend, imp. c. caeausius 
p. P. aug.; reverse, a female holding in the left hand a spear, and a wreath in 
the right ; legend, laetitia aug. 

Of the coins found at "Wistance, those of Carausius were the most numerous 
and the largest in size, except those of Probus. 

These constitute the whole series that have come under my observation. 

About twenty years since a Roman coin was found near Meal-Hill, in the town- 
ship of Hepworth, of a white metal (not silver); but 
owing to a small piece having been broken off, it is not 
very clear to what Emperor it is to be assigned. An 
experienced Numismatist assigns it to Garacalla. 

A bronze spear-head, measuring about six inches in length, was found on Cart- 





<$ms%v& historical jfonrarks. 



worth Moor, by one of the servants of the late Mr. Joseph Barber, of Hinchliffe 
Mill, while engaged in digging peat, about fifty years since, of which we here 
subjoin an engraving. The socket is much wasted, and the side loops are worn 




through. This interesting relic was presented to me by Mr. Barber, and is now 
in my possession. In the adjoining township of Meltham, are the remains of a 
Eoman encampment, on the moor below West Nab, a short distance to the left of 
the road which leads thence to the village, and in the property of Mr. Uriah 
Tinker, of Bent House, forming nearly a square of about four chains. When 
I visited the place about twenty years since, in company with the owner and other 
friends, the whole was very distinct and perfect. This piece of ground has since 
been brought into cultivation, yet the trenches are still visible. This encampment 
would appear only to have been made to supply some temporary emergency. 

We have no evidence to prove what progress had been made here by the Romans 
in the cultivation of the soil. It is to the Saxons we are indebted for all those 
political and social arrangements and institutions, arising from their conversion to 
Christianity, which through a series of changes and modifications have descended 
to our time : to them also we owe the origin of our villages and townships, and 
the division of our parishes. Their money, however, is seldom to be found ; un- 
like the Romans in this particular. Neither are there any earthworks nearer than 
Castle-Hill, in the adjoining parish of Almonbury, to testify' to their skill or mark 
them as a warlike people. That high and commanding situation so difficult of 
approach, must have impressed them with its great importance in regard to the 
surrounding country, and which they consequently fortified with deep trenches 
and strong breastworks, converting it into a triple fortification, rendering it at 
that period an almost impregnable fortress. 

Connected with this period it may here be mentioned that Querns, or hand-mill 
stones, have been occasionally found in the district. These rude machines for the 
grinding of corn, are of great antiquity, having been introduced into this country 
by the Romans. Their form is pretty generally known, as their thickness no 
doubt has greatly contributed towards their preservation. Their grinding surface 
was about twelve or thirteen inches in diameter. This early invention was suc- 
ceeded by another of a more efficient but of a more fragile construction, and 

B 



10 



(General historical gUmarks. 




therefore much more rarely met with, perfect. One of these, an upper stone, of 
winch a sketch is here given, was 
found about twenty years ago, in a 
very perfect state, on breaking up a 
piece of common land on Wooldale 
Cliff, and is now in the author's 
possession. It consists of a flat 
circular grit stone, about three inches 
in thickness, and of about twenty 
inches in diameter, someAvhat concave 
on the under surface ; in the centre of the stone is a circular hole, of about two 
inches and a half in diameter, which is surrounded on the upper surface at a dis- 
tance of about three inches, by a circular ridge. At the outer rim of the stone, 
is a small hole through which a cord had been attached, and by which it was 
turned about. 

These rude machines had ultimately to give way, when lords of manors, after 
the Norman Conquest, erected water-mills to grind the corn of their tenants. 

We have already stated that the district adjoins upon, and forms a part of, that 
high range of hills which divides the northern counties, and which by attracting the 
clouds, renders the adjacent country subject to frequent and heavy falls of rain. 

The draining and cultivation of large tracts of moorland, and the improved 
management of the ancient enclosures within the last quarter of a century, have 
materially contributed to the health, as well as the general prosperity, of the district. 

Like many other parts of Yorkshire, we find these districts have occasionally 
been visited with pestilential disease. 

At two distinct but remote periods, the parish of Kirkburton has been visited 
with the Plague. Its first appearance was in 1558, and was confined for the most 
part to Burton, Highburton, and adjacent townships, extending to Woodsome 
Mill, in the adjoining parish of Almonbury; a feAV cases also occurred in Holm- 
firth. It ought to be stated that Kirkburton and its immediate vicinity, was then 
the most populous part of the parish. The Plague began early in June, 1558, 
and continued till the following October, during which time 120 persons fell a 
sacrifice to its malignity. The first entry of the burials in the parish register 
took place on the 11th June; from which date one or more occurred daily up to 
the 23rd, after which no dates are given. Opposite the above-mentioned entries 
is written " Plague tyme." 

The following is the remainder of the entry of burials : — " Elizabeth uxor Thomae Lockwode, & two 



(Smtral jpisteM JjUmarlis. 11 

chyldren ; Margarett Chapel], Eyebell Avrell, Elizabeth Morehouse, young women ; Uxor Hopton & 
puer, Elizabeth uxor Carolus Stone, ii chyldren, Jennett Morehouse & ii chyldren, Margarett Hayworth, 
Jane uxor Thomas Shay, & iv chyldren. 

Item, Two chyldren of John Tomson, and Alys hys wyfe. 

Item, Raufe Greve, and Jennett hys wyfe, & two chyldren, Henry Genne, Thomas Chapell, & Alyson 
hys wife, Jennett Estwode, & John Robuke, Wylliam Oxlay, & hys wyfe, Robert Byrkynshay, & i chyld, 
Richard Shay, and three chyldren ; Margarett Shay widow, Charles Shay, Robert Hynchlyffe & one 
chyld, Elizabeth Shay, Margarett Hey uxor Willm Hey, & two chyldren, Uxor Binnes vidua ; iii chyl- 
dren of George Kyrkbye, Margarett Hey vidua & one chylde, Uxor Archer, & two chyldren ; Elizabeth 
Kay, Uxor Rockley & iii chyldren, Robert Belay and Jennett hys wyfe, & iii chyldren ; Agnes Wode 
uxor George Wode. One chylde of Henry Hey, Elizabeth uxor James Slake, Richard Bennes & hys 
wyfe, John son of Edward Wode ; Uxor Bever ; Wylliam Broke and v chyldren ; Three chyldren of 
Wylliam Denton ; Uxor Boyth vidua ; Henry Boyth and hys wyfe & iii chyldren : John Jesope, and hys 
wyfe & iii chyldren ; Uxor Tomson vidua Holmfyrth and her doughter ; Uxor Wyllm Smyth & two 
chyldren, John Wode, Jane Dodworth, and other two, Al. Dodworth wyfe : Elys Lokewode, and John 
Tyas : Robert Fourth ; John Armytage and hys wyfe ; and two chyldren of John Hey ; and Elizabeth 
uxor John Clegh, & two chyldren." 

During these four sad months there is neither baptism nor marriage recorded ! 

Dr. Wkitaker gives the following extract from the register of the parish church 
of Almonbury. " The plague began at Woodsome Mill, in the house of Thomas 
Scammonden, whereby in some four days, the said Thomas, with Kobert, Ralph, 
Elizabeth, and Dorothy, his sons and daughters, died, and were buried as follows : — 
Robert buried 26th [July], at ten o'clock at night, by William and Beatrix; his 
brother and sister ; Ralph buried 27th, at nine at night, by the said William and 
Beatrix ; Thomas and Elizabeth his daughter buried together the 30th, at nine at 
night, by his wife and the said William and Beatrix ; Dorothy buried 10th August, 
at seven at night, by her mother and her brother William." 

These simple but touching recitals tell but too painfully their own sad story ! 
But to arrive at a tolerably clear view of the extent of this calamitous visitation, 
it seems requisite that we should ascertain, by approximation, the amount of pop- 
ulation in the parish at that time. 

It is difficult to fix any precise data upon which to calculate the probable amount 
of population of parishes at that period. It has been stated by some writers, that 
by taking the average of births or baptisms for several consecutive years, and for 
every such baptism to multiply by 30, will lead to a pretty correct estimate. The 
number of baptisms within the parish of Kirkburton, for the five years preceding 
the plague, averaged about 70 per annum, which, multiplied by 30, gives us a 
population for the whole parish of 2,100 persons. Out of this number we find 

b 2 



12 



(Bnmnl Historical ||Umarhs. 



no less than about 120 persons carried off by the plague in the short space of four 
months, being nearly six per cent, of the whole population ! 

In 1665, the plague again appeared in the parish, within the township of Hep- 
worth, where the population was thinly scattered. Here, according to tradition, 
it had been occasioned through a quantity of the wearing apparel of a relative 
who had died of the plague, having been sent from London to Foster Place, a 
farm-house not far from the village. No contemporary records have been found 
of this visitation, neither is the number of its victims known. Since that time 
these parishes have not suffered from any similar visitation. 

The following is a table of baptisms, marriages, and burials, at the parish church 
of Burton, from 1551 to 1685, being on the average of several years, except in par- 
ticular instances where the mortality has been unusually large or otherwise in any 
one year. 



1551 to 1554 inclusive, the average 

1556 

1558, died of the Plague 121, and 37 of ordinary sickness 

1561 

1571 to 1573 inclusive, the average 

1583 to 1586 inclusive, the average . . , , 

1591 to 1595 inclusive, the average 

1601 to 1 605 inclusive, the average 

1642 

1643 

1644, 1647, 1648, and 1649, the average of these years 

1 651 to 1656 inclusive, the average 

1663 to 1666 inclusive, the average 

1681 to 1 685 inclusive, the average 



ptisius. 


Marriages. 


Burials 


71 


13 


34 


60 


9 


81 


29 


1 


158 


49 


14 


28 


66 


16 


33 


71 


19 


48 


69 


20 


38 


71 


16 


41 


77 


22 


51 


41 


9 


93 


40 


9 


64 


44 


13 


33 


86 


21 


61 


86 


24 


68 



The year 1556 appears to have been one of unusual mortality, but from what cause 
does not appear. The great mortality in 1558 arose from the plague. The burials 
in the year 1561 were unusually small. In 1643, the number of burials were 
considerably larger than the average of years, and nearly double that of the pre- 
ceding year, exhibiting the effects of the sanguinary contests of the civil war. 

In the diary of Mr. Arthur Jessop, a medical practitioner near Holmfirth, in 
the first half of the last century, who was about forty years actively engaged in 
practice,* we find recorded the periodical visitation of the small-pox, which 



• Perhaps a better opportunity maj not present itself than here offers, to give a few brief particulars of Mr. Jessop, to 



(general Historical |Umarks. 13 



produced a fearful mortality, more particularly among the juvenile population. 
When we contemplate these ravages, and call to mind the discovery of vaccination 
by Dr. Jenner, which has so happily arrested the progress of this loathsome 
scourge to humanity, we feel that the name of Jenner deserves to stand among 
the foremost benefactors of his species. 

The atmospheric changes here are often greater and the air colder and more 
piercing than in the less elevated districts ; it is, therefore, probable that the class 
of diseases connected with the respiratory organs, as incident to children, may 
prevail more at certain seasons, yet the general salubrity of the atmosphere, and 

whose diary I have been under many obligations for the notice of matters and incidents of contemporaneous history. He 
was a native of the district, and died in 1751, at the age of 69 years. The diary commences with the year 1730, and ter- 
minates on the 30th March, 1751, within three days of his death. Tt is written for the most part in short hand, and 
comprises a great variety of subjects, but more particularly those connected with his own professional and other engage- 
ments and* are, therefore, of too personal and domestic a character, to be largely quoted ; but it may not be altogether 
uninteresting to give my readers some idea of the labours and trials to which a medical practitioner was exposed in this 
district a century ago. 

Situated among a comparatively thin and scattered population— surrounded on every side with narrow and dreadfully 
bad roads, which seemed to meander through the valleys, as if they had no particular destination, winding their course 
up the steep hill sides along precipitous banks and rocks, and over the open plains of wild moorlands, which they inter- 
sected, unprotected by walls or fences— he had to pursue his weary way on horseback or on foot, in the discharge of his 
duties, even through pelting storms and winter snows. 

These professional districts were then wide, but the roads were generally well known ; yet the journeys were often 
perilous. The most frequent causes of danger arose from thick fogs, or sudden darkness rendering invisible the usual 
landmarks: several of these perilous journeys Mr. Jessop narrates — two of which we will here briefly record. 

" 1748, January 22nd, a cold frosty morning with snow. I was called to Joseph Horsfall's, of Carlcoats, to visit his son; 
after leaving there I called at Mr. Empson's ; I came away from thence at a quarter-past three, but a heavy fog came on 
and I was unable to find my way. I wandered about I knew not where, for two hours and three-quarters, when I at last 
got to the Royd, to John Swinden's, at six of the clock ; at my request he took a horse to guide me towards Maythorn, 
but could not find his way, and said he would go no further, for we should both be lost ; and we turned back, and I stayed 
all night. I was troubled for them at borne, for I feared they would think I was lost, and make a great stir. I got up in 
the morning as soon as I could, and went home, but my brother, and a company with him, were gone to seek me. They 
went a long way to seek me, as they did not return till near two at clock." 

But before this time he had experienced a much worse fate, having fallen into a deep stone quarry, at Wooldale Cliff. 
He was then 63 years old. He afterwards measured the depth of the quarry, and found it "six yards and a half." 

"1744, December 15th, being Saturday; returning home on foot through the village of Wooldale, I mist my way 
through the West-field, it having suddenly come on very dark ; I fell into a stonepit on my back and leg, and was so hurt 
that I could not stir, but was forced to lie there. I suppose it was about 6 of the clock in the evening when I fell in, and 
it was extremely dark. I lay in the stonepit all night, and till the afternoon service was done at Holmfirth (church), 
having laid nearly 23 hours, when Elias Eadcliffe found me, and it was thought that about 200 persons came about me, 
and they carried me home, as I was very much hurt, and almost frozen to death." 

It is pleasing to find him at this time recording the kind sympathy of his surrounding friends, as indicated by a variety 
of substantial tokens ; his professional brethren also manifested much thoughtful attention and kindness ; among others, 
a Mr. Hardcastle, of Wakefield, a surgeon of some celebrity; although they seem to have had little previous acquaintance, 
yet having heard of Mr. Jessop's " misfortune," in the words of the diary, thus testified his sympathy : " hearing a good 
character of me, was very sorry for my misfortune, and could well find in his heart to come and see me." Mr. Jessop 
observes that this '* Mr. Hardcastle was the grandson of the Mr. Hardcastle who took Nevison prisoner." 



14 



(Smeral gistoriol §Umarhs. 



its bracing and healthful character, will bear a comparison with most other parts 
of the West-Riding. This is borne out by the statistical tables published by the 
Registrar General in his annual reports, as given in connexion with the Poor Law 
Unions.* 

The district comprised within our topographical survey is divided into three 
sub-districts, for registration purposes, viz. — Kirkburton, Newmill, and Holmfirth. 
The following table shows the number of deaths in each, taking the average of 
five years, and the per centage upon the population, according to the census of 
1851. 



SUB-DISTEICTS. 


Area in 
Statute Acres. 


Population 
in 1851. 


The average of 

Deaths over 5 

years, from 

1851 to 1855 

inclusive. 


Rate of Deaths 
per cent. 




7,160 
9,760 
6,460 


12,027 

6,160 

11,313 


270 
130 
250 


2-24 
2'11 
2-21 






23,380 


29,500 


650 


2-20 



It is necessary to state in connexion with the Holmfirth district, that the per 
centage here given is somewhat increased, in consequence of the calamitous loss 
of life in the Holme Valley, in 1852, by the bursting of the Bilberry Reservoir, 
when upwards of eighty persons perished. 

The following instances of extreme longevity are recorded in the Register of 
the parish church of Burton. 

" 1655. Elizabeth Clayton, widow, buried 20th February, aged 112 years and upwards." 

" 1670. Widow Lee, of Broome Bank Steele, buried 2nd March, aged 105 years." 

" 1672. Robert Fitton, buried 9th February, aged 94 years." 

" 1708. Ellen Booth, of Scholes, widow, buried July, supposed to be 100 years old." 

" 1749. Robert Ellis, of Barnside, Hepworth, buried 25th December, aged 106 years." 

" 1800. John Sykes, Snowgatehead, in Fulstone, aged 101 years." 

" 1812. James Hinchliffe, of Milshaw, in Hepworth, clothier, buried May, aged 102 years." 

* The rate of mortality within the following Unions on the average of five years, from 1851 to 1855 inclusive : — 



Iluddersficld Union 2'28 per cent. 

Halifax 2'32 do. 

Bradford 2'70 do. 

Dewslmry 2 - 58 do. 

Wakefield 2-53 do. 

Poutefract 2'29 do. 



Doncaster Union 2'27 per cent. 

Hemsworth 1*65 do. 

Barnsley 2-38 do. 

Wortley 2-27 do. 

Ecclesall Bierlow 2-73 do. 

Sheffield 3'14 do. 



It will he Been that the mortality in the Sheffield Union is considerably larger than in any of the other here mentioned, 
arising from the nature of its manufacture, in which a large proportion of the population is engaged, while that of Hud- 
dcrsficld holds a position scarcely inferior to any here mentioned, if we except the Hemsworth Union, which comprises 
only ;i small agricultural population. 



6entnil pbtorical Remarks. 15 

The Eegisters of the parish church of Almonbuiy supply us also with the 
folio wing, in connexion with this district. 

" 1596. Elizabeth, the wife of John Greene, of Holme, buried 8th April, aged 100 years." 

In 1695 occurs the following- remarkable record : 

" Nicholas Grime, of Brockholes, buried 9th March, aged 96 years." 

" Dina Kay, of Castle-Hill, widow, buried 10th March, aged 105 years." 

" Maria Earnshaw, of Honley, widow, buried 11th March, aged 90 years." 

"Alice, widow of Daniel Dyson, of Crosland, buried 10th March, aged 63 years." 

The vicar adds " these four burials took place at the parish church, within 
the space of forty-eight hours, and their united ages amounted to 354 
years ! " 

In the year 1813, the clergy were required to record in Parochial Eegisters, the 
ages of all persons interred by them : previous to that time it Avas at the discre- 
tion of the officiating minister, who might be more or less curious to note extra- 
ordinary instances of longevity. 

The following list of the names of persons who had attained the age of 95 years 
and upwards in this district, since 1813, has been copied from the Parochial 
Registers of Kirkburton and Holmfirth, and from the Registers under the Regis- 
tration Act. 

" 1822. Mary Hoyle, widow, Shepley, aged 95 years." 

" 1827. Grace Lee, of Riley, aged 99 years." 

" 1833. Joseph Smith, of Grange, Thurstonland, aged 96 years." 

" 1850, Michael Wortley, of Shepley, aged 97 years." 

" Mary Hellawell, of Cumberworth, aged 99 years." 

" 1857. George Chappell, of Paddock, Kirkburton, aged 100 years." 

In addition to these, it may be stated that there are forty-one persons recorded 
to have attained the ages of from 90 to 94 years. 

The district furnishes few apparent objects to gratify antiquarian taste, or to 
stimulate enquiry or research. It can boast of no monastic foundations even of 
the lesser kind, and its ecclesiastical edifices possess no indications beyond the 
ordinary class of village churches, and they are more than usually barren of 
monumental inscriptions, or remains of the remote past ; so that evidences of the 
families of the resident owners of the soil, of the Plantagenet, and the Tudor 
periods, must be sought for elsewhere. We find no inscriptions prior to the 
17th century. 

The Town of Burton, from the circumstance of its being the site chosen for the 
Parish Church, was undoubtedly the most important place in 'the parish, and 
being at the eastern extremity, clearly indicates that the western part, at that 
time, possessed a very small population. Its importance is still further shown by 



16 <&meral Historical |{nnarlis. 

its being; constituted a Market Town. After the introduction of the woollen man- 
ufacture, the western part of the parish began to increase, and Holmfirth took its 
rise, and became a new centre of population, and has now attained no inconsider- 
able importance.* 

In tracing the several sub-enfeudations within the limits of our enquiries, and 
in setting forth the families and pedigrees in connexion therewith, we have been 
led to deviate from the usual custom of topographical enquirers, by recording a 
number of other families ; to which some of our readers may possibly take excep- 
tion : but topography may be regarded as having, like the sciences, greatly 
extended and widened its range ; and it surely would be giving a very inadequate 
view of an active manufacturing and commercial district, were we merely to 
furnish a record of a few comparatively wealthy families who have resided there, 
whose easy circumstances have precluded the necessity for active exertions, and 
the result of whose general habits of life could inspire no earnest desire for scien- 
tific or commercial enterprise and progress. 

The yeomen, the class whom we now propose to notice, take their rise from a very 
remote period, and were seated upon small estates of their own, which they man- 
aged with industry, and lived upon the produce in frugality — having sufficient spur 
to exertion without the depressing anxiety of impending want. Men inured to such 
physical exertions were always ready to take up arms at the call of their chief lord, 
when dangers threatened or foes menaced; and their indomitable courage was equal 
to every trial : but the time at length arrived, when the barons no longer possessed 
the power to call these lion-hearted men to their sides to " redress an insult, or 
avenge a wrong." They were, therefore, left to pursue uninterruptedly their rural 
occupations, " converting their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into 
pruning hooks." Thus left free, they applied themselves to trade and commerce, 

* It may not be uninteresting to shew the relative importance of some of the towns and vills within the Wapentake 
of Agbrigg, as given in an ancient " Taxe " of the whole Wapentake, made probably about the reign of Edward III. It 
was probably an estreat roll, the amount for the whole Wapentake being £40 4s. lOd. (West's MSS.) 



£ s. d. 

Burton 12 

Shelley 14 6 

Shcpley 14 

Cumberworth 10 

Thurstonland 12 



£ s. d. 

Holmfyrth 13 

Honeley 11 

Meltham 12 

Farncley Tyas 15 

Almonbury 16 

Hodercsfeld 13 4 



It will be seen that the seven townships in " Holmfyrth," or Oraveship of Holme, were not then assessed in amount 
equal to the townships of Shepley and Cumberworth. 



<§meral gistoneal Remarks. 17 



and by the progress of the woollen manufacture here, were enabled greatly to 
improve their domestic and social condition.* 

The designation of Yeoman, is of great antiquity, but as its true origin has not 
been generally understood, we may here be permitted to give a brief explanation. 

There exists some difference of opinion as to its derivation. It is by some sup- 
posed to be derived from the Saxon gemcene, a common man, or one of the 
commonalty. Spelman regards it as the first degree of the Commons, freeholders 
who have lands of their own and live on good husbandry. Sir Thomas Smith 
defines a yeoman to be " a free-born Englishman, who may lay out of his own free 
land in yearly revenue, the sum of forty shillings." It seems to us, however, that 
the title yeoman has a somewhat different origin — that it has reference rather to a 
military than a civil rank, and that it is derived from yew-man, «o called from the 
preference given to that species of wood for lows used in battle — that is, the class 
of men who used the yew bow. 

By an Act of Parliament, 13 Edward I., all persons were obliged to be furnished 
with bow and arrows ; " but," says Grose, in his Military Antiquities, vol. i., p. 
142, " yew at length became so scarce, to prevent a too great consumption of it, 
bowyers were directed to make four bows of witch-hazel, ash, or elm, to one of 
yew : and no person under seventeen, unless possessed of moveables worth forty 
marks, or the son of parents having an estate of ten pounds per annum, might 
shoot in a yew bow." 

* Chaucer's lively picture, in his Canterbury Tales, of an English Tec-man, sufficiently indicates the estimation in which 
this class was then held ; and when it is remembered that Chaucer himself became " Yeoman to King Edward III." it is 
a convincing proof of his regard for so honourable a distinction, as the representative of an important and most effective 
branch of the military strength of the kingdom. 

A yeoman is there introduced as one of the attendants upon a " worthy knight." 

" A yeoman had he, and servants no mo 

At that time, for him pleased to ride so ; 

And he was clad in coat and hood of green, 

A sheafe of peacock arrows bright and keen 

Under his belt he bare full thriftily ; 

Well could he dress his tackel yeomanly : 

His arrows drooped not with feathers low, 

And in his hand he bare a mighty bow. 

A round head had he, with a brown visage ; 

Of wood craft knew he well all the usage ; 

Upon his arm he bare a gay bracer, 

And by his side a sword and buckler, 

And on that other side a gay dagger, 

Harnessed well, and sharp as point of spear; 

A cristofre on his breast of silver shene ; 

And horn he bare, the baudrick was of green. 

A forester was he soothly I guess." 

C 



X 



18 (fmrcrul historical Ecnrarhs. 



&f 



The object in planting yew trees in churchyards in remote times, has drawn 
forth from antiquarians a variety of conjectures ; perhaps the most generally 
received opinion is, that they were intended for the supply of the yew-bow, for the 
bowmen of each parish. Without attempting to enter into the several views 
which have been advanced on this subject, which would, for the most part, be 
foreign to our present purpose, we may observe that it seems extremely improbable 
that the supply derived from such a source would be at all adequate to the require- 
ments of the times. 

In the range of our topographical observations, which, however, only extend 
over a small district, the yew is by no means of common or promiscuous growth, 
yet in the immediate vicinity of many of our more ancient messuages or home- 
steads, formerly belonging to the class called yeomen, one or more of these ancient 
trees are often to be seen — these, in some instances, being the only indications 
now left as to the class of persons who had once been seated there, all other out- 
ward vestiges having long since disappeared. These time-worn remains had no 
doubt been cultivated by their ancient possessors with great care and veneration. 
Thus " the old yeomanry" supplied themselves from these trees with those excel- 
lent bows which rendered them the best and most dreaded archers in Europe. 
They regarded the yew-bow with as much satisfaction as the hero of modern times 
surveys his Minie rifie. The very protracted contest of " the "War of the Roses," 
and the deep and implacable hostility of its leaders, afforded but too ample an 
opportunity for a display of the prowess of the English Yeomanry. That Henry 
VII. was duly impressed with their valour and prowess at the battle of Bosworth 
Field, we may readily infer, from his establishing in the following year the 
" Yeomen of the Guards." 

Of the style of house inhabited by this class of persons, we have no remains of 
a very remote period ; the earliest we possess do not go beyond the latter years 
of the reign of Elizabeth, and even these specimens are few, and have undergone 
many alterations to suit the convenience of succeeding generations, more especially 
as to their internal arrangements. Houses belonging to this class had before that 
time been constructed with wood and plaster, or but partially built with stone. 
In Elizabeth's reign, houses began to be built in a more commodipus style, and 
of a more substantial character, as stone then, to a considerable extent, took the 
place of wood. The windows, which before that period had been small narrow 
lights, were then made considerably larger, with mullions, and among the better 
kind, with transoms in one or more windows. These houses had usually one or 



(general Historical Ecmarks. 19 



two gables to the front, the entrance being often by a porch, and the chimneys 
frequently forming large projections.* 

The interior of the house usually consisted on one side of a spacious room or 
" house," and a parlour beyond it,' and on the other of a large kitchen and offices. 
These were divided from each other by partitions of strong oak. The parlour 
was usually the sleeping room of the worthy yeoman. The chambers or other 
sleeping apartments were low, dark, and dreary, and open to the roof. Notwith- 
standing the gratifying change from wood to stone, we find it was regarded by 
some conservative minds with unfavourable forebodings. Thus Hollinshed, in 
1570,. alluding to the preceding times, when the ordinary houses were unprovided 
with chimneys to conduct away the smoke, says, " now we have many chimneys, 
and yet our tenderlings complain of reumes catarres and poses ; then had we none 
but reredoses and yet our heads did never ake ; for as smoke in those days was 
supposed to be a sufficient hardning for the timber of the house, so it was re- 
puted a far better medicine to keep the good man and his family from the quack." 
He also says, " of old time, our country houses instead of glass, did use lattis, and 
that made of wicker or of old riftes of oak in checkwise." 

The furniture in those days was entirely of oak, and consisted, for the most 
part, of a large dining table, with seats or benches to match ; chairs, an aumbry, f 
several large and small chests, of which one or more usually presented fronts 
neatly carved and ornamented — sometimes having initials of the names and the 
dates upon them. A neat chest was often brought by the thrifty wife on her mar- 
riage, containing a part of her wardrobe ; the linen also, which she brought, being 
often of her own spinning. The bedsteads were of massive oak, and frequently 
carved, and sometimes ornamented with figures. The walls of the house or kit- 
chen were usually decorated with such weapons of warfare as were then, or had 
been, in use, and for which their owner evinced much regard. 

A pleasing instance, of one of this class ot persons, we have met with, who 
resided in the adjoining parish of Penistone. Thomas "West, of Underbank, in 
Hunshelf, made a disposition of his estate and effects among his family. The 
whole displays so much of the habits and manners of our ancestors in their 
domestic character, that we shall here briefly record it as illustrative of those times. 

He made his will 1543, in which he directs his body to be " buryed within the 

* Dr. Whitaker, in his History of Whalley, pp. 499 — 506, has an interesting " Dissertation on the Origin and Progress 
of Domestic Architecture," &c. 

t Ray, in his collection of obsolete English words, states aumbry to signify " a cupboard to set rictuals in," and ia 
pToof of it, he gives an old proverb — " No sooner up, but the head in the aumbry, and nose in the cup." 

c 2 



20 i&tmxal gisiorital Jlcmarks. 

pishe church of Penyston." He was living, however, in 7 Elizabeth (1564), when 
he executed a deed of feoffment to William "Walker, of Hunshelf, yeoman, and 
Thomas Walker, of West Bretton, tanner, of his " capital, messuages, and lands 
at Hunshelf and Snodden-Hill, for and until such tyme as they shall have receyved 
out of the rents and profetts thereof the full sum of fourescore and sexe pounds, 
for ye only use, profett, and comoditye of Alice West and Dorothye West, my 
doghters, towards ye prferment and attaynment of their marriage." 

He had, however, executed a deed, bearing date the first year of Elizabeth 
(1558), in which " I freely grant to John West, my sone and heire apparent, and 
to his heires males for ever, all those parcells of goods following and remaynyng 
att my chief capitall messuage at Hunshelf, within the parish of Penyston, That 
is to say, one counter, one almbyrye or cupboard, one garner or one grett arke, 
being in the lathe or barne ther, and all my bedstocks being at Hunshelf aforesaid, 
one brasen morter with a pestell, and one sylver spone with a marlion in the end 
thereof; my best jacke and one bowe with a quyver of arrowes and one stele cappe, 
for this intent and purpose, yt ther they shall for ever remayne as heire-lomes." 
And "all other my deade goods whatsoever they be remanyng and being at Hunshelf 
aforeseid. And also I gyve to the seid John West, and to his assignes for ever, 
my best horse, my sadell and brydill, my best gyrdill and purse, my best dagger 
and swerd. And all my tymbre lying and being within my croft at Hunshelf 
afforseid, and all other my tymbre lying and being ther in pyles, and all my sawen 
bords, &c." To his son Thomas West, he gives all his "cattle at Hunshelf," (ex- 
cept what is here above mentioned,) " and also all his goods and cattle moveable, 
immoveable, as well quyck as dedd, of what kind or make or facion soever they 
be, being pasturyng or remaynyng at Littlebretton aforseid."* 

Civil Wae. — In the Civil War in the reign of Charles I., the people of these 
districts, as well as the nation at large, were deeply interested and actively engaged. 
Though involving principles of the highest importance, both civil and religious, 
yet they were regarded with very opposite views, and maintained by each party, 
with a pertinacity almost incredible. While some arrayed themselves under the 
banners of the Royalists, others, and those a more numerous class in the West- 
Riding of Yorkshire, joined with equal earnestness and zeal the standard of the 
Parliamentarians. 

* These particulars are gathered from a small quarto MS. volume, in the author's possession, written in the reign of 
Elizabeth, by one of the West family. It contains other evidence of the family, and is written in a neat bold hand; it 
contains also a transcript of a considerable number of old deeds, and other evidences connected with some of the principal 
families of the surrounding districts, more particularly within the Wapentake of Staincross. In future, references to this 
document wc shall designate it the " West MS." 



(Smtral Msfowal Eemarlis. 21 



It would seem next to an impossibility that in an active display of " physical 
force," prudence and moderation should at all times prevail. Struggles like these 
could not take place without producing great social disorganization. This we find 
exemplified, in the history of that period, in this district. More than two centuries 
have passed since the scenes were enacted which we are about to record, and of 
which tradition has preserved only a vague and indistinct account. Some con- 
temporary evidences, however, have been preserved, enabling us to furnish the 
following facts, which will not be read without interest by many of our readers 
acquainted with the district. 

The following extract is from a petition which was drawn up about the year 
1650, by the inhabitants of the chapelry of Holmfirth, who were anxious for some 
ecclesiastical changes, and therein they record some of their recent sufferings in 
the cause of the parliament. 

" That the Inhabitants of Holmfirth, have always and still doth stand for the Parliament's service, by- 
reason whereof they had above thirtie houses burnte downe by the Armye against the Parliament, under 
the late Earl of Newcastle, five Regiments of the enemye's foot, three of Horse and two of Dragoones, 
came into the said Chappellrie, killed and tooke prisoners, and plundered, and tooke away all their goods, 
soe that many lyed in prison and the rest was forste from their own habitacons to the great impoverish- 
ment and hurt of the poor Inhabitants. 

" That the said Inhabitants of Holmfirth, did make and set forth a hundred musqueteers for the Par- 
liament service, by order from the late Lord General Fairfax, and that there are several of the Sonnes 
and Servants of the Inhabitants, still in actuall service for the Commonwealth." 

It may seem somewhat difficult to fix the precise time when a detachment of the 
Earl of Newcastle's army visited Holmfirth. From a careful examination into the 
evidences we have been able to consult, it is with some degree of confidence we 
can state, that it took place in the spring of 1643. 

The following are briefly the facts. The Earl of Newcastle came to the assist- 
ance of the Royalists in Yorkshire, about the 30th November, 1642, where he held 1 
the principal command, till he was joined by Prince Rupert, at York, immediately 
before the decisive battle of Marston Moor, 1644, which was fatal to the Eoyal 
cause. Soon after the Earl arrived in Yorkshire, he settled garrisons at Leeds 
and Wakefield ; the latter of which he made the head quarters, surrounding these 
by many smaller posts ; one of which was at Barnsley. Sir Francis "Wortley, who 
had been a " fast friend " of the Earl of Strafford, had also fortified his own house 
at Wortley, and about the same time he likewise made the church of Penistone a 
garrison, " from whence he roved up and down the country, robbing and taxing 
many honest people."* 

* Life and Diary of Oliver Heywood, by the Rev. J. Hunter, F.S.A. 8vo. pp. 156. 



22 (HmwraJ jfrsinncal gwnarhs. 

About the close of the month of April, 1643, the Earl marched from "Wakefield 
with a part of his army towards Eotherham, and thence to Sheffield, (leaving the 
greater part of it at Wakefield ;) and having reduced those places, he was intend- 
ing to proceed into Derbyshire, but received information that Sir Thomas Fairfax 
had defeated his forces at Wakefield — having fallen suddenly on them on the 21st 
May, capturing nearly all the troops he had left there, with his General of the 
Horse, Lord Goring, and his whole magazine : he immediately changed his course, 
and fell back' upon York. 

About six weeks after, the battle of Adwalton Moor took place, when the Par- 
liamentarians suffered a defeat by the Earl of Newcastle, who pursued them to the 
borders of Lancashire. He also possessed himself of Halifax. " When I had 
received this sad intelligence," says Lieutenant Colonel Eoseworm, " I informed 
myself of the nature of the passes by which the enemy could most easily come 
upon us, and finding them capable of a sudden fortification, by the consent of the 
Deputy Lieutenants, I quickly helped nature with art, and strengthening Black- 
stone Edge and Blackgate, and manning them with soldiers, to prevent the Earl's 
dangerous approach, by which means, being diverted like an angry storm with a 
gust, he went to the siege of Hull, whither Lord Fairfax and his son Sir Thomas 
had already taken refuge."* The Earl appeared with his whole army before Hull 
on the 2nd September, and continued the siege till the 11th October, when he 
drew off his army and marched to York. He was afterwards engaged in more 
distant parts of the country. 

It was while the Earl of Newcastle was lying with his large army at Wakefield, 
in the spring of 1643, that a detachment was sent into those mountainous districts 
of Yorkshire, immediately to the west of Wakefield, (viz. — the parishes of Almon- 
bury, Kirk-Burton, and Penistone,) Avhence at that period they could most readily 
be approached ; and where the bias in favour of the parliament was very strong. 
Of this Ave have corroborative testimony in a letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax to 
his father, the Lord General Fairfax, which points to this event, written from 
Bradford, April 20th, 1643, in which he says — " This town is very weak, by reason 
many are gone to defend Ambry [Almonbury] and those parts ; but I hear Captain 
Ratliffe is revolted to the enemy, and most of his company if not all, the other 
company, being not strong enough, retired to Elam [qu. Elland]: there Captain Mor- 
gan, who hath raised some dragoons, joins with them for the defence of those parts 
this day ; some of Peniston men came also to demand aid, there being seventeen 

* " An Historical Relation of Bight Years' Service for King and Parliament, done in and about Manchester and those 
partR, lty Lieutenant Colonel Koseworm." 



(gjmeral Historical JjLemarks. 23 



colours in Barnsley, five miles off them. I advised them to seek help from 
Eotherham and Sheffield,* and whilst they stood upon their guards, to get their 
goods to places of most safeguard, for it will be impossible, without more horse, 
to defend the country from spoil." " The enemy lies strong at Wakfield."t 

It is evident that the inhabitants of this district were, for the most part, favour- 
able to the parliament, and many of them were deeply tinctured with republican 
sentiments, as we find from the petition already referred to, wherein they complain 
that " thearmes of the late tyrant J King were continued up in both the churches 
of Kirkburton and Almonburie, contrarie to the Act of Parliament in that case 
made for the abolishinge of Kingship." The vicar of the parish, the Rev. 
Gamaliel Whitaker, on the contrary, was warmly attached to the cause of the 
King. This appears to have manifested itself very early, for we find that in 
1642 — 3, he was displaced; and that the Rev. Daniel Clarke "was on the 14th 
March appoynted to officiate as vicar in the parish church of Kirk-Burton, in his 
stead, and to receive the profitts of the said vicaridge for his paynes, till further 
orders bee taken by both Houses of Parliament." || 

Judging, therefore, from the political and religious bias of the parishioners, it 
is not improbable the displacement of Mr. Whitaker had arisen in a great measure 
through their agency. 

In the autumn of the year 1643, the cause of the parliament began to brighten, 
and continued steadily to advance till these sanguinary conflicts were brought to 
a close, by the entire subversion of the Royalists, and the death of the King. 
Whether the attack made by the army under the Earl of Newcastle, upon the 
inhabitants of Holmfirth, had been at the instigation of Mr. Whitaker can now 
only be matter of conjecture ; but what shortly afterwards befel him, seems to 
imply that the inhabitants regarded it as such ; for, not long after, a party of 
soldiers from Woodhead (Parliamentarians) went in the night to Burton to carry 

* This was within a few days of the Earl of Newcastle setting out to reduce these places. 

t " Memorials of the Civil War, comprising the Correspondence of the Fairfax Family, and edited by Robert Bell." 2 
vols. 1849 pp. 

t We quote from the draft copy of the Memorial, from which it appears that the word tyrant, has a dash through it in 
paler ink, and, therefore, we may presume this expression did not accord with the views of all the parties who signed the 
memorial, or petition ; and doubtless was expunged from it. 

II Parish Register. At a somewhat later period, Lord General Fairfax was authorized by parliament to supply those 
pulpits in the north which became vacant. In the Ordinance of the 27th February, 1644, the preamble states — "The 
House being credibly informed that many ministers in the county of York were not only of a scandalous life, but having 
left their churches and cures, had withdrawn themselves wilfully from the same, and joined such forces as had been raised 
against parliament, and assisted them with men, money, horses, and arms ; therefore it is ordained that Lord Fairfax be 
authorized to fill up their places with such learned and godly divines as he shall think fit, with advice of the assembly." — 
Parliamentary Ghron. p. 4—128. 



24 (^weral jpislflntal JjUmarhs. 

off Mr. Whitaker to Manchester, " where he died in a month of grief and ill 
usage."* Whether any resistance had been offered on the part of the vicar or his 
friends, there exists no evidence to shew, but tradition states that Mrs. Whitaker 
was shot in the staircase of the parsonage. 

The parish register has the following record — " Hester Whitaker, wife of 
Gamaliel Whitaker, vicar of Kirkburton, whoe was slaine the 12th day at night 
January instant, and was buried the 15th day, 1643 — 4." 

There is a tradition also which reports, that when the soldiers were on their way 
to Burton, they called upon a Mr. Firth, of Shepley Hall, to go along with them, 
to direct them to the vicarage. This he was unwilling to do, but was compelled 
to join them, and accordingly he had to mount on horseback behind one of the 
troopers. On their way, he, however, seized a favourable opportunity and slipped 
off the horse, and took refuge in an adjoining wood, and thus freed himself from 
their unwelcome company. 

At this distance of time we must not expect to arrive at a precise knowledge of 
all the circumstances which influenced parties in these painful transactions. There 
are several concurring circumstances which go far to prove that Mr. Whitaker' s 
political views were very unpopular among a large proportion of his parishioners ; 
and, that we may better understand his position in relation to the cause which he 
had espoused, it will be necessary to state something of his family and social 
connexions. 

He was the son of the Eev. William Whitaker, rector of Thornhill, and had 
married Hester Marshall, sister to the wife of Thomas Wentworth, of Kirby, Esq., 
whose son, William Wentworth, was a captain under Sir George Wentworth, both 
of whom were active men in the Royal cause. Matthew Wentworth, of Oawthorne 
Park, Esq.,t had also married Dorothy Whitaker, a daughter of the rector of 
Thornhill. He was thus closely connected with one of the leading and most 
powerful Yorkshire families of that time, a member of which had taken a dis- 
tinguished part, as the adviser of his Sovereign, and in the administration of the 
laws. Thomas Wentworth, afterwards Earl of Strafford, the head of the House 
of Wentworth, and the most gifted of its members, set out in public life as a 
patriot, but suddenly changed his course to that of a courtier, and in consequence 
of his arbitrary conduct and treasonable practices, was executed the 12th May, 
1641. The death of this high-spirited nobleman was undoubtedly felt by his 
kindred as a heavy and a painful sacrifice to popular resentment. 

* Dr. Johnstone's MSS. 

t His elder brother, Thomas Wentworth, of Bretton, Esq., afterwards Sir Thomas, held a commission as Lieutenant 
Colonel under Sir Francis Mackworth, and was a severe sufferer for his adherence to the King. 



Sciteral Historical jlcmmhs. 25 

Tlie adoption of measures, therefore, to check and subdue the growing spirit of 
liberty which had now begun to menace kingly power, and its ancient prerogative, 
not only engaged their sympathies, but received their active support. In this, the 
vicar of Kirkburton was not behind, and it is evident that many of the clergy 
were not silent spectators of the contest. We find, moreover, the Rev. Charles 
Greenwood, rector of the neighbouring parish of Thornhill, (the immediate 
successor of Mr. Whitaker's father in that rectory,) who had been tutor and 
companion to the Earl of Strafford, and " a clergyman long honoured with the 
friendship and confidence of that great man," * was equally decided in his views, 
but an older man, and therefore less able to take an active part in the struggle.! 

Thus intimately connected, by near relatives and friends, with the cause of the 
Royalists, it is more than probable that Mr. Whitaker's views and feelings had 
been strongly excited, and had, therefore, led him to adopt a prompt and decided 
course at the onset, in the great struggle which was about to ensue. This appears 
in some degree countenanced by the fact of his early displacement from the 
vicarage, when Mr. Clarke "was appointed in his stead." That his conduct had 
rendered him particularly obnoxious to the dominant party, may be inferred from 
the fact, that a detachment of soldiers had been sent to take him prisoner to 
Manchester, which proceeding would suggest that he was suspected to be impli- 
cated in some open or secret design against the parliamentary cause, and this 
may serve to account for the severity of the treatment he received. His attachment 
to the Royal cause, doubtless, in the first instance, occasioned the sequestration of 
his living ; but the imprisonment which he afterwards suffered, evidently points to 
some graver political offence, instances of which were not of unfrequent occurrence 
amongst his clerical brethren at this period. — "When Lambert was besieging 
Colonel Morris, in Pontefract Castle, the Rev. George Beaumont, vicar of South 
Kirkby, was detected holding an unlicensed correspondence with the Colonel. 
He was seized, imprisoned, and finally sentenced to death, and execution was 
immediately done upon him." $ 

Scotch Rebellion. — Scarcely had another century rolled over, when the people of 
these districts heard the alarming news of rebellion. The dire effects of the 
civil war still lived in the memories of its inhabitants, for, notwithstanding the 

* In 1625, Sir Thomas Wentworth, (afterwards Earl of Strafford,) employed Mr. Greenwood, the rector of Thornhill 
in his interest for the election of Knight of the Shire. Dr. Whitaker, who edited " The Life and Correspondence of Sir 
George Eadcliffe," and who will not in this instance be suspected of censuring unduly, observes, " the rector of Thornhill 
ought to have been better employed than in electioneering intrigues." p.p. 176. 

t He died in 1644. 

X Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. Vol. ii., p.p. 449. 

D 



26 (General Itstorkat |Uma.rks. 



generation which had witnessed its horrors among them had passed away, yet not 
a few of their children still survived, to ivhom the sad tale had often been told, 
and on whose minds it still remained vividly impressed. 

In 1745 the Scotch Rebellion broke out, when the Pretender, Charles Edward, 
the grandson of James II., having landed in Scotland on the 10th of August, 
was joined by a large body of highlanders, and they proceeded into England to 
claim, and to seize the British crown, which had been transferred to the Bruns- 
wick line. A feeble attempt had been made in 1715, to restore the Stuarts, in 
the person of the "Pretender" James, the father of Charles Edward, which 
utterly failed. 

The progress of the rebels towards London was, however, slow, which afforded 
opportunity to those who possessed valuable personal property, to remove it to 
places of secrecy, and also to make some preparation against the advance of the 
enemy. The people of these districts were for the most part attached to the 
reigning family ; there were, however, some — a small section — who were desirous 
of the restoration of the Stuart dynasty ; among these were a few of the clergy, 
yet none of them took any active part, contenting themselves with giving expres- 
sion to their wishes more or less openly. The Rev. William Eden, the presbyterian 
minister at Lydgate, entered with great spirit into the cause of the reigning 
monarch. His appeals to the people from the pulpit, in whieh he seems to have 
been assisted by the Rev. Benjamin Shaw, of Bullhouse Chapel, were calculated 
to arouse the people " to patriotism and to duty :" — " to stand fast to the liberty 
winch had been so dearly won for them," warning them "not to become entangled 
in the yoke of bondage, or the devices of popery, which led to both civil and 
religious slavery." When the news was received here that the rebels had arrived 
in England, the state of alarm became very great. The chief constable of the 
district, and some of the principal inhabitants set about actively to solicit sub- 
scriptions, for the purpose of establishing watch and ward ; and raising men to 
prepare to defend the district from pillage and violence. On the 1st of November, 
Watch and Ward was accordingly set up in Holmfirth and in the adjoining town- 
ships. The weather during that month was extremely cold and severe, often 
alternating between rain, frost, and snow. The accounts of the progress of the 
rebels, brought from day to day, were vague and often contradictory, and the 
numerous stories which were circulated of the enormities committed by them, 
and the severities exercised upon the people were very exciting; each day seemed 
to add to the excitement. But early on the morning of Saturday, the 30th 
November, a report had spread far and wide that the rebels had got to Marsden, 



6cncral pstorinif gcwarlis. 27 

and would be at Huddersfield in the course of the day. An express had been 
sent in the middle of the night from Huddersfield to all the principal clothiers in 
the Holme valley, to fetch away their cloth. " They were in a terrible conster- 
nation in Huddersfield," as they were hourly expecting the arrival of the rebels. 
It was also reported that a large body of rebels had arrived in Saddleworth, and 
were expected to come over the moors to Holmfirth ; the people here, and in the 
surrounding places, were in the greatest consternation and alarm. The "people 
flocked into Holmfirth from every side," the young men, as well as the older ones, 
having provided themselves with either guns, swords, hay-forks, scythes, or such 
other deadly weapons as they could obtain, and formed themselves into a large 
and formidable force. At the head of this troop of mountaineers was the Rev. 
William Eden, who had displayed great zeal in the cause. For some days pre- 
vious to this, Mr. Eden had been at considerable trouble " in going about to get 
men to sign their hands to a paper, to go with him if there should be occasion ; 
upon which great numbers volunteered," and now came prepared. He addressed 
the men before they marched away, urging them to be faithful and stand their 
ground, and resolutely to defend their king, their country, their families, and their 
homes. Thus prepared, they marched away in the direction in which the enemy 
was supposed to be coming, but they met with no resistance. This day has since 
been remembered as "Rebel Saturday." From the circumstance of Mr. Eden 
having led this band of mountaineers, he afterwards received the appellation of 
"Captain" Eden. 

The unexpected retreat of the rebels from Derby, northward, occasioned fresh 
consternation in Holmfirth and the surrounding country. On Tuesday, the 10th 
December, a report was extensively circulated, that a considerable body of the rebels 
had arrived at Woodhead, and were on their way over "Holme Causeway," (i.e., 
the road over Holme Moss, constructed then of large stones.) Notwithstanding 
the excitement was very great, the troop of mountaineers does not seem to have 
again assembled, neither did occasion require it. 

" 1745. December 11th. General "Wade's dragoons came from Wakefield to 
Huddersfield, through Ahnonbury, where they remained all night, and went 
forward to Halifax the following day." 

" 27th. The bluecoats searched Woodsome, on suspicion that some rebels were 
harboured there." 

" 1746. January 11th. Gave up keeping watch and ward in Holmfirth." 

"April 24th. In Holmfirth there was a large bonfire made, and ringing the 
bell, on receiving the news of the victory over the rebels at Culloden ; also a 

d2 



28 6mcral Jistorkal gUmarhs. 

large bonfire on the Sudeliill." "At Burton they had great rejoicings on Satur- 
day, the 3rd of May, a large bonfire and an effigy of the Pretender, which they 
shot at, and rung frying pans. This was upon the report that the Pretender was 
taken." 

Trade and Manufactures. — In entering on the subject of trade and manufac- 
tures, we must revert to the social condition of the people as it existed for many 
generations after the Norman Conquest, when the population was very thinly 
scattered over this high moorland district, which, from the general sterility of 
the soil, was rendered unfavourable to agricultural enterprise. This was especially 
the case in the western part of the district; the whole forming a constantly 
changing surface of hill and dale, better adapted for pasturage than for arable 
purposes, and oats were then nearly the only grain product. The abundant growth 
of native oak, however, in the valleys and other sheltered situations ; and the 
valuable streams of soft water which take their rise on the hills and along their 
sides, furnished additional sources of wealth, which in some degree compensated 
for other defects. These advantages were rendered subservient, by an actively 
industrious and quick-sighted people, to the purposes of trade and manufactures, 
of which the woollen branch was destined to become the staple trade, long before 
the mineral wealth of the district was discovered. 

Before we proceed to speak of the advancement of cloth manufactures we 
would here record a singular fact in regard to another of the ancient staple 
trades, which may be considered as now nearly extinct. "We allude to the Tan- 
ning of Leather. The abundance of oak bark, and the valuable springs of water, 
rendered the locality singularly favourable to this branch of business, which seems 
to have formed an important trade from a very remote period. 

Within the parish of Kirkburton alone, in the early part of the last century, there 
were at least a dozen tanyards in actual use, at several of which a considerable 
business was done. This branch of trade has, however, rapidly declined ; for at 
the present time there exists only one, and that recently revived. 

The introduction of "woollen cloth working" is unquestionably of great 
antiquity ; and there are strong reasons for believing that it was actively carried 
on here in the reign of Edward III. It would be a work of supererogation to 
cnlci- into its early history, the elucidation of which, rather belongs to the 
county, than to so small a district, our object being simply to give a brief record 
of such facts as have immediate reference to the locality, either as illustrative or 
its social influence, or of its gradual progress and development. 



dimtral Jtstorical jjLemaxks, 29 

In the reign of Henry VIII . we find one fulling mill at Mytham Bridge, in 
Thurstonland ; and persons following the business of "clothiers," at which time 
there existed a custom, in regard to the fulling of cloth, which we may infer had 
long been practised. This consisted in the Lord of the Manor requiring 
" clothiers" within the manor " freeholders and tenants" to full or mill their 
cloth at his said mill. In the reign of Edward VI. an Act was passed prohibiting 
any one from making cloth, unless he had served an apprenticeship of seven 
years ; this was afterwards repealed, but was revived in Elizabeth's reign. 
Notwithstanding this, a great impetus was given to the progress of woollen 
manufactures in that reign, during which two fulling mills were erected within 
the Graveship of Holme. 

From a MS. book kept by a Mr. Hep worth, of Shepley Hall, written in the 
latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, and in the early part of James I. ; one 
portion of which purports to be a register of " servants and apprentices," we 
give the following extracts respecting " cloth working," as illustrative of the 
times. The entries, it will be seen, are brief, simply recording the names of the 
parties, places of residence, the nature of the work, and the terms of agreement. 

"John son Thomas Roberts of Wooldall to serve Luke Firth of Booth-house in Holmfirth, from the 
2nd January 1602, for six yeares as an apprentice during which term he is to be provided by the said 
Firth, with meat, drink, apparell and lodging, and likewise to give unto his said apprentice every quarter 
of a year 4d. of money. The said Luke Firth to instruct his said apprentice in the mystery and science 
of Cloth-working, and weaving the broad lombes. The said apprentice to serve his said master one 
whole yeare, after his tearme be expired, having for the said yeare xxs. of money at the beginning of his 
tearme of one yeare. 

In another agreement between a master and an apprentice, it is stipulated that the master shall give 
his apprentice " a Ewe lambe and the said lambe to be kept during the last two years by his master, and 
the apprentice to have the profits." 

In another about the same date, it was agreed for the apprentice to be bound "for nine yeares the 
master to find him meat drink and Cloths, and xvid. yearely," and teach his apprentice " the traid of 
weaveing, warping, dying, Shearing, and all other things to the said traid and occupation of Cloth- 
working belonging after the best manner he can." 

Notwithstanding the statute 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, it would appear that mills had not been rated for the relief 
of the poor until 1638. In that year the following order was granted, being the result of an appeal to the 
Sessions of the Peace, holden at Pontefract, the 3rd April, 14 Charles 1st, before William Lord Crichton, 
Sir Ferdinando Fairfax, Sir William Savyle, Bart., Sir Thomas Bland Knight, Sir George Wentworth, 
Kt., Sir John Savile, Kt., Sir Edwd. Rodes, Kt, John Kaye, Esq., Robt. Rockley, Esq., Justices of the 
Peace, 

" Upon complaint made this day by the Churchwardens and overseers of Holme, within the parish of 
Kirkburton, who compleyned that Bertyn Allott held two Mills within Holme aforesaid, which being 
assessed sixe shillings eightpence per ann. for the Poore, was refused to be paid. It was conceived by 



30 Central Historical |Umarks. 

the Court and soe ordained that Mills are lyable to be assessed for the Poore as well as lands. It is 
therefore ordered that his said Mills shall pay yearely the said sume of sixe shillings eightpence now 
assessed upon them. And all other Mills in Burton Parish as well Fulling Mills as Corn Mills, be 
assessed for the Poore accordingly and proportionably as necessity shall require." 

The nest piece of evidence Ave have to record, having immediate reference to 
the district, is from an original docnment, containing a series of articles of agree- 
ment, entered into by the " Owners and Farmers of divers Fulling Mills, in the 
parishes of Kirkburton, Almondbury, Huddersfield, and Kirkheaton, dated 7th 
Oct., 6 Anne, 1707." 

" The Owners and Farmers respectively, whose names are affixed to this Instrument, covenant and 
promise to and with William Bradley of Huddersfield Salter &c. by these presents " &c. 

" 1. That they nor any of them, their nor any of their Servants, Agents, or Workmen from and after 
the 13th day of this instant month shall or will on the Sunday or Lord's day full or Milne any manner 
of Cloth in or by any of their respective Mills, betwixt the hours of six of the clock in the morning and 
six of the clock in the evening of the same day, at any time during the space of seven yeares next 
coming. 

" 2. That they the said Owners or Farmers nor any of them nor any of their Servants, Agents, or 
Workmen shall or will at any time during the said tearme give or deliver, or cause and suffer to be 
delivered any cloth-piece or pieces of cloth fulled in any of their respective Mills to the Owners or Pro- 
prietors thereof, or to any of them their or any of their Servants or Workmen unless the said Owners and 
Farmers their Servants, Agents, or Workmen or some of them shall be first paid or satisfied for fulling 
the same. 

" 3. That they the said Owners or Farmers nor any of them their nor any of their Servants, Agents, 
or Workmen shall or will at any time during the said tearm full or milne any cloth-piece or pieces of 
cloth for or at any lesser rate or value than sixpence a piece for every piece of Cloth under eighteen yards 
in length, and for every piece of Cloth above eighteen yards and under thirty yards in length eightpence. 
And for every piece of Cloth above thirty yards in length twelvepence, nor take or receive any lesser 
sum of money for doeing the same than as aforesaid. 

" 4. That if any one of the said Owners or Farmers or his Servants, Agents, or Workmen shall act 
or doe contrary to the tenor purport true intent and meaning of the above mentioned Articles or any of 
them, and Oath thereof made before a Justice of the Peace in writing by any informer and two 
Credible witnesses at the least ye said Owners or Farmers so offending shall forfeit and pay to the said 
William Bradley the sum of Five Pounds whereof twenty shillings shall goe and be paid to the said 
Informer, other twenty shillings thereof to the Poor of the Town where the same offence shall be com- 
mitted and Three Pounds the residue thereof to and amongst the said Owners and Farmers other than 
the Delinquent. 

" 5. That if any action plaint or suit shall happen to be commenced or prosecuted by virtue of these 
presents ye said Owners or Farmers other than the Delinquent shall and will at all times hereafter save 
keep harmlesse and Indcmnifyed ye said William Bradley his executors Administrators &c. of and from 
all such Costs and Charges losses and damages as shall be awarded or adjudged by the said William 
Bradley his executors &c. or his or their lands, Tenements, hereditaments, goods or chattells or any of 
them for or upon any suit which hereafter shall happen to come or arise upon for or concerning the 
premises or any of them or any part thereof. 



(gmeral Historical JUmarks. 31 

" Lastly. The said William Bradley for himself his executors &c. doth covenant promise and grant 
to and with the said Owners and Farmers other than the Delinquent by these presents, that he the said 
William Bradley his executors &c. shall and will from time to time upon the reasonable request and at 
the cost of the said Owners and Farmers other than the Delinquent justly maintain avow & allow all and 
every such action suit plaint and arrest as the said Owners and Farmers other than the Delinquent shall 
commence sue or prosecute or cause to be commenced sued or prosecuted for the recovery and obtaining 
of all the money to be forfeited by virtue of these presents ratifying and confirming all and every lawful 
acts matters and things whatsoever which the said Owners and Farmers other than the Delinquent shall 
commence or prosecute for the recovery or obtaining of the same. 

"In witness &c."* 

Amidst tlie progressive changes which have taken place from time to time in 
the woollen branch, many evils must of necessity have arisen, and combinations 
been formed, requiring sound judgment, and often great forbearance, to counteract 
or modify ; but it seems difficult at this distance of time to understand clearly 
the reasons for combining together on all the points here mentioned. That there 
existed in the minds of many of the mill occupiers, a strong desire to put down 
the milling or falling of cloth on Sundays, as dishonouring the Christian Sabbath, 
there can be no doubt ; and that there were other occupiers desirous of continuing 
the old custom is equally certain : thus far the attempt to bind each other to 
observe the Lord's day was very laudable. That it might be expedient also, to 
fix a uniform rate for the mining of cloth of certain prescribed lengths, we readily 
understand ; but that they should likewise require that all cloths so milled at any 
of the said mills, should be paid for before being delivered to the Owners, seems a 
strange anomaly, which we at least of the present time, should regard as a point 
best left to the consideration of the parties themselves. 

Until the latter half of the last century, the kind of cloths manufactured here 
were called "Leeds Reds" a coarse class of goods, manufactured in the white, or 
undyed state, and dyed red in the cloth, slightly finished, and then sold to the 
Leeds merchants. These goods were manufactured in the old form, — scribbled 
and carded by a single pair of cards, — spun by a single thread, and woven by the 
hand shuttle. 

It was about the year 1776, when the first spinning jenny was introduced into 
the Holmfirth district. It contained about 18 spindles, and was hailed as a 
prodigy. They rapidly multiplied in numbers, as well as in spindles. The first 

* Attached to this instrument are seventeen seals, from which we may infer this was the number of Pulling Mills then 
existing within the four above-mentioned parishes. Of these seals thirteen only have been duly signed and attested- the 
others remaining blank. It may not be uninteresting to some of my readers to give the signatures, viz. : Elizabeth 
Bradley, Joshua Wilson, E. Eockley, Caleb Crosley, Luke Wilson, William Brooke, John Hanson, James Roberts, William 
Bamsden, Abraham Dyson, Peter Hepworth, Joseph Eoberts, and Joshua Wilson. 



32 6meral jpstorkal gcmarhs. 

scribbling engine set np in this district was in Ing Nook Mill, about 1780. It 
appeared in a rude state, before the invention of the fly-roller, and seemed to 
tumble the wool off the cards like flocks. 

It was not till about the year 1798, that steam came to be applied to the aid of 
water power, and then the advantage of coal within the district contributed largely 
to the spread of the several manufacturing processes, and the general prosperity. 

The introduction of machinery, however, occasioned a strong feeling of alarm, 
not only among the operatives, but also among a large body of manufacturers, — 
the cry being, " the domestic system is in danger." This alarm arose, no doubt, 
from what they regarded as its obvious tendency to endanger the independence 
which was conceived to pervade the old system, to supersede a large amount of 
manual labour, and to reduce the rate of wages. 

But the introduction of improved machinery into the finishing department, met 
with a more determined opposition from that class of operatives, than had been 
shewn in regard to improvements in other manufacturing processes. The whole 
body of croppers were aroused, and began to organise themselves to resist the 
innovations. The struggle of the Luddites was of a deeply exciting character. 
They were so called after an imaginary personage, styled General Lud, or Ned 
Lad, their reputed commander, whose short "reign" was indeed a "reign of 
terror." It seems necessary we should briefly state some of the facts connected 
with those unhappy transactions, in which a few misguided persons within this 
district were implicated, while several others suffered in the destruction of their 
property, through their lawless conduct. 

A number of manufacturers and master croppers having set up shearing machines in their houses, 
Shops and Mills, some of which were worked by hand, others by horse, water, or steam power, the work- 
men rose in large bodies, or in detached parties, and broke open those places which contained the obnoxious 
machines, and with hammers, and other instruments, broke them to pieces. These acts were generally 
perpetrated in the night, and effected so suddenly, by parties mostly disguised, that for some time they 
escaped detection. To render themselves more secure and sufficiently formidable to defy resistance, they 
banded together in companies, and prowled through the district by night — forcing those inhabitants to 
rise, who were supposed to possess fire arms, which they demanded and took with them, and in some 
instances they proceeded to other acts of pillage. 

The snappers, as the breakers of the Dressing Machines were technically called, commenced their 
campaign early in the year 1812. On the 23rd February they paid a nocturnal visit to Marsh, near 
Huddersfield ; on the 27th we find them at Ley-Moor in Longwood. In the second week in March they 
continued their work of destruction at Linfit, llonley, Dungeon, &c. But the greatest muster yet made 
was in the evening of 15th (Sunday) when they attacked the house and workshops of Mr. Francis 
Vickerman of Taylor-hill, where they instantly set to work demolishing a number of machines, and even 
fired a gun or pistol into the room where Mr. Vickerman and his family were sitting; happily without 



(Btmrxl Ifisiorical JUmarks. 33 



doing any personal injury. The first week in April they were at Hill End and at Horncoat, in Fulstone : on the 
1 1 th they attacked Rawfolds Mill, in Liversedge, which was gallantly defended by Mr. Cartwright and his men ; 
and from which the assailants were obliged to retire leaving two of their number on the ground mortally wounded. 
This severe check is stated to have produced an alteration in the plans of these infatuated men. The 
assassination of the chief patrons of this kind of machinery was now resolved on ! Accordingly on the 
28th of the same month, only 16 days after the successful resistance at Rawfolds, Mr. William Horsfall, 
of Marsden, was waylaid on his return from Huddersfield market, and shot in open day, about 5 or 6 
o'clock in the afternoon, by four of these miscreants, who concealed themselves in a plantation near 
Crosland-moor, adjoining the turnpike road from Huddersfield to Marsden, watching for their prey ; 
when their victim appeared they took deliberate aim firing simultaneously, and Mr. Horsfall fell to the 
ground — he lingered a day or two in excruciating agony from his wounds, when he expired. 

Crimes so atrocious nerved the retributive arm of justice, and a vigorous system of police was 
organised by a neighbouring magistrate (Joseph Radcliffe, of Milns-Bridge House, Esq.,) who afterwards 
received the honour of a baronetcy for his intrepid conduct at that alarming crisis. Yet some time 
elapsed before any clue could be discovered which promised to lead into the deep labyrinth of combina- 
tion, which concealed such complicated crimes and guilt. Meanwhile these desperate marauders proceeded 
in their dark designs. Within a few days of this horrid deed, they attacked several places around Holm- 
firth, although Watch and Ward had been established through the districts. 

Troops of soldiers were stationed in Huddersfield, and in consequence of vague rumours, occasionally 
scoured the country, but with little effect. 

A young man named Barrowclough, was stated to have betrayed certain lawless proceedings of the 
Luddites in this neighbourhood. He was accordingly secured as a useful spy and informer ; and in the 
night of the 8th July a party of Scotch Greys were marched to Holmfirth, who early the following 
morning searched several places where it was stated arms were concealed ; but very few seem to have 
been discovered : perhaps the Luddites had sufficient warning to be able to remove them. But two or 
three nights after, eight men were taken out of their beds, in this district, and kept in close custody ; 
and after repeated examinations before the magistrates were committed to York for trial. On the 23rd 
July a person named Hinchliffe then clerk of the Parochial Chapel of Holmfirth, was called out of bed 
and was shot in the face ; by which he lost an eye. It was generally supposed that he knew something 
both of the parties and of the proceedings of the Luddites, and was suspected by them of having given 
some information. Though this happened at midnight, and the assassins were disguised, he told his 
friends that he knew the person who had shot him ; but when examined by a magistrate (Josh. Scott, of 
Woodsome Hall, Esq.,) the next day, he denied having such knowledge. A person of the name 
of Schofield, absconded, who was believed to be the perpetrator, as was afterwards asserted by 
Hinchliffe. He was subsequently apprehended in London and eventually tried at York ; but through the 
evidence of the magistrate (Mr. Scott) he was acquitted. 

Earl Fitzwilliam, as Lord Lieutenant, with his son Lord Milton visited Holmfirth, a few weeks after, 
to examine into these alarming circumstances. 

A special assize was held at York, for trying these infatuated and misguided men ; eighteen were 
capitally convicted, seventeen of whom were executed : the rest, including eight persons taken from near 
Holmfirth, were liberated on bail. 

This year [1812,] had been a dreadful year in many respects. It was the first of a series of back- 
ward seasons, and deficient crops, and corn rose to a high price.* 

* The foregoing account of the Luddites is compiled partly from a brief sketch furnished to the author by the late 
Mr. Joseph Holmes of Underbank, and partly from an account printed by the late Mr. Edward Baines, of Leeds. 

E 



34 



(Bnxtrd Jisiaraal gUmmrks. 



It remains to be stated that the class of woollen cloths which were manufactured 
in the Holme valley thirty years ago, usually styled "plain goods," have now, for 
the most part disappeared, giving place to what are called " fancy woollens." It 
must likewise be observed that the districts of Kirkburton, Shelley, and Shepley, 
which were formerly much engaged in " fancy waistcoatings," are now principally 
employed in the fancy woollen trade. 

The rapid increase of machinery of late years in the various manufacturing 
processes which has so immensely facilitated production, has, it is gratifying to 
record, served to lessen the amount of excessive physical labour, while the rate 
of wages has been augmented. 

The following statistical tables shew the number of mills and factories, within 
the district, engaged in woollen manufactures, with the amount of horse-power 
and number of persons employed, in 1835 and 1858 respectively, according 
to the returns made to the Inspector of Factories. "With these returns, 
which will be found highly interesting to those of our readers intimately 
acquainted with the district, I have been obligingly favoured by Alexander 
Redgrave, Esq., Inspector of Factories, and James Bates, Esq., Sub- 
Inspector. 

A Tabular View of the number of Mills and Factories in each Township, within the Parish of Kirkburton 
and Graveship of Holme, with the amount of Horse-power, the kind of Manufacture engaged in, and 
the Number of Persons employed, in the year 1835 : — 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Eurton 

Shelley 

Shepley 

Cumberworth Half 
Thurstonland . . . 

Wooldale 

Fulstone 

Ilepworth 

Cartworth 

Holme 

Austonley 

Upper Thong.. . 



MS 



12 
3 
3 

7 
1 



12 
3 
3 

7 
1 

5 
o 



20 

14 

147 
14 
24 
90 

64 
14 



109 
26 
22 
93 

6 

72 
34 



-!)W 



20 
20 

256 
40 
46 

183 
6 

136 
48 



PERSONS EMPLOYED, 



From 9 to 12. 



Male Female 



14 



46 
6 
10 
43 
2 
26 
15 



38 
2 
2 

21 

3 

22 

7 



13 to 18 



Male Female 



10 



64 
4 
10 
49 
5 
42 
13 



33 

19 
3 
5 

29 
1 

26 

10 



Above 18. 



Male Female 



78 

7 
27 
56 

2 
33 
13 



TOTAL. 



M. 

20 
14 

188 
17 
47 

148 
9 

101 
41 



48 

59 
5 
7 

52 
4 

49 

17 



(Smeral Jjisitfrital JUmarhs. 



35 



A Tabular View of the number of Mills and Factories in each Township within the Parish of Kirkburton 
and the Graveship of Holme, with the amount of Horse-power the kind of Manufacture engaged 
in, and the Nnmber of Persons employed, in the year 1858 : — 



TOWNSHIPS. 


ill 


o 
o 


T3 
O 


d 
o 


to 


i 

CO 


at 

is 


£ o 


PERSONS EMPLOYED. 


►a 

< 

H 
O 
H 


Aged 8 and 
under 13. 


Agd 13 

and 

under 

18. 


Aged 

above 

13. 

Female 


Aged 

above 

18. 

Male 


TOTAL. 

Male Female 








Male 


Female 


Male 




3 






3 




112 


20 


132 


15 


15 


54 


140 


106 


175 


155 


330 




6 






6 




25 




25 


8 


5 


24 


19 


28 


60 


24 


84 




1 






1 




20 




20 


4 


2 


10 


14 


22 


36 


16 


52 


Cumberworth Half 


1 






1 




10 




10 


2 


3 


3 


10 


8 


13 


13 


26 


Thurstonland .... 




































24 




l 


23 




229 


119 


348 


114 


58 


97 


162 


218 


429 


220 


649 




4 






4 




37 




37 


12 


10 


17 


26 


27 


56 


36 


92 




6 






6 








19 


6 


2 


24 


18 


40 


70 


20 


90 




19 






19 




109 


91 


200 


63 


31 


93 


84 


151 


307 


115 


422 




1 






1 






4 


4 


3 


1 


4 


1 


4 


11 


2 


13 




8 






8 




44 


39 


83 


24 


34 


42 


36 


49 


115 


70 


1S5 


Upper Thong .... 


14 






14 




62 


7 


69 


25 


10 


63 


95 


124 


212 


105 


317 



The Area, Annual Value ; also a Comparative Account of the Population Returns of the several Town- 
ships within the Parish of Kirkburton and the Graveship of Holme : — 



TOWNSHIPS. 


a 

.si! 


*3 . 

M 

a a 


POPULATION. 


1801 


1811 


1821 


1831 


1841 


1851 




1260 
1420 
1250 

250 
2050 
2370 
1200 
3370 
2820 
3390 
1760 

710 


7150 
3699 
3210 
3120 
3549 
10246 
4917 
3601 
7611 
1705 
6050 
7945 


1405 
416 
619 

783 

2620 

1128 

804 

997 

302 

674 

1033 


1693 

1057 

793 

868 
3083 
1139 

828 
1121 

347 

814 
1015 


2153 
1329 
1000 

989 
3445 
1264 
1048 
1211 
459 
968 
1437 


2650 

1319 

893 

1098 
3993 
1573 
1229 
1796 
630 
1420 
1648 


3474 
1772 
1088 

487 
1286 
4806 
1856 
1436 
2247 

713 
1940 
2258 


3560 
1880 
1200 

484 
1320 
5600 
2257 
1532 
2538 

849 
2234 
2463 



























e2 



36 <§>mcml Jtstoriral Jienrarks. 

The rapid increase of population in manufacturing districts may be regarded 
as affording a satisfactory indication of prosperity and comparative wealth. There 
are, however, periodical depressions of trade from various causes, from which 
the operative classes have not unfrequently been exposed to great privations. 
Perhaps in no part of the kingdom are these classes more industrious than in. 
the "English Apennines;" the principles of self-reliance and independence are 
strong characteristic features of the class, though by strangers these are some- 
times mistaken for less estimable qualities. 

The amount of crime committed within the district to which these enquiries 
refer is believed to be considerably less than in most districts of an equal 
population. 

Respecting the Graveship of Holme, however, we are enabled to state more 
definitely, having been kindly favoured by Martin Kidd, Esq., of Holmfirth, who 
for twenty years has acted as clerk to the Holmfirth bench of magistrates, with 
the following interesting statement : — 

Previous to the year 1839, there were no magistrates resident at or near to Holmfirth; about that 
time a memorial was presented to the Lord Lieutenant on the subject ; and Mr. Joseph Charlesworth, 
and Mr. John Harpin were appointed, and both qualified at Bradford sessions in July, 1839. They 
appointed Mr. Kidd, solicitor, as their clerk, and immediately afterwards commenced holding courts of 
petty session weekly in Holmfirth, and continued to do so until the year 1852, when, in consequence of 
the paucity of business, it was considered that a court once a fortnight would be quite ample to meet the 
requirements, with occasional meetings for urgent business ; and the usual fortnightly meetings, with 
such occasional meetings, have been continued till the present time, one magistrate attending once a 
week, at the clerk's office, to take informations and sign precepts. 

By an arrangement with the Huddersfield bench, all petty session business arising within the Grave- 
ship of Holme has been taken at the court, and which comprised a population, in 1831, of 12 5 289; in 
1841, of 15,256; in 1851, of 17,473. 

During the twenty-one years ending July, 1860, the summonses and warrants issued by the bench 
amounted to 7,157. These are divisible into three classes, namely : — 

1. — For non-payment of rates, and other casual matters not coming within the 

category of crime, or offences against good order 5639 

2. — Summary convictions 1374 

3. — Felonies, and other indictable offences, but principally minor indictable 

offences, and not a single case of murder 144 



7157 



And of the last 144 cases, only forty occurred during the last seven years. And it may be said that 
crime has decreased, and is light considering it to be a manufacturing district, with an increas ing 
population. 



(Imeral Historical Jlemarlis. 37 

The operative classes display very commendable forethought, by associating 
for mutual assistance during times of sickness and disease, as exemplified in 
the following statistical table of the various societies of secret orders and sick 
clubs.* These institutions, when formed on a proper basis, are invaluable, 
no less by enabling their members to preserve a proper self-respect, than 
for the material support they provide. 

"We possess no statistical information to enable us to speak definitively as to 
the ratio which the members of sick clubs and secret societies bear to the population 
of the kingdom, or in regard to the agricultural, as compared with the manufac- 
turing districts. It is to be regretted that means have not hitherto been adopted 
to obtain these statistics in connexion with taking the census of population 
periodically, which would have supplied the political economist, as well as the 
public, with interesting and important information. 

Sports and Pastimes. — A century ago, horse racing constituted one of the 
amusements of the district. Horse races were annually held on Cartworth Moor, 
which were usually styled Cartworth Moor Races. 

But perhaps there was no kind of sport to which our ancestors were more 
devotedly attached than hunting with the beagles ; and on account of the hilly 
state of the country, they were generally followed by persons on foot. In 
connexion with this kind of sport, tradition has preserved some remarkable 
incidents. Perhaps the most singular, if not the most remarkable, is that of 
" Old Nan Allen," a tall gaunt woman, who not only joined in the sport, but 
acted as huntswoman, which tradition affirms she usually did, having a long 
staff in her hand, keeping up with the hounds with wonderful strength and agility. 
About the close of the last century there was, in the township of Thurlstone, a 
small public house, having for its sign " Nan Allen," with the following couplet : 

" Hark to cuddy, thou has it by this, 
I, Nan Allen, the Huntress." 

* These Statisiical Tables have not been completed in time to appear in this place, the reader is, therefore, referred to 
appendix. 



% brief %tcaimi of % f orirs ai % Pamrr af MakMfl. 



Theee is some difficulty in determining the precise period when the Manor of 
Wakefield was granted by the crown to one of the Earls Warren. According to 
Domesday Book, which was completed in 1086, it was then in the possession of 
the King. 

William de Warren, the first Earl of Surrey had married G-undreda, daughter of 
William the Conqueror.* He died in 1088, and it is generally admitted that, 
with the exception of Coningsborough and its dependencies, he had no other 
estate in Yorkshire. He left issue William de Warren, 

II. Earl of Surrey, who married Isabel, daughter of Hugh, Earl of Yermandois, 
widow of Robert, Earl Mellent, by whom he left issue. Our best authorities seem 
agreed in the opinion that the grant of this manor was made to this earl, although 
they differ as to the time and the circumstances under which it was given. It is 
generally regarded as the grant of Henry I., in 1107 or 1116, as a recompence 
to him for having done the king great service, by taking his brother Robert 
prisoner, whose crown of England, and dukedom of Normandy, Henry had 
usurped. A more probable conjecture, however, is that of Mr. Hunter, f that 
this grant was made between the years 1091 and 1097. This earl enjoyed the 
honours and possessions of the family nearly fifty years, dying in 1138, leaving 
Ins son, William de Warren, 

III. Earl of Surrey, who married Adela, daughter of William Talvace, Earl of 
Ponthieu, by whom he had Isabel de Warren, sole daughter and heiress. He was 

• In 1845, the workmen employed in making the Brighton, Lewes, and Hastings Railway, through the Priory grounds 
at Lewes, had their progress arrested by a stone, on the removal of which, they discovered two cists or coffers, side by 
*ide. On the lid of one was the word " Gandreda," perfectly legible ; and on the lid of the other " WilFus." On remov- 
ing the lids the remains appeared to be quite perfect, and the lower jaw of William Earl de Warren in extraordinary 
preservation. The cists in which the bodies were deposited were not more than three feet in length, and about two feet 
wide, and there is no doubt that they had been removed from some other place and reinterred ; and according to tradition 
the bodies of William de Warren, and Gundreda, his wife, were reinterred 200 years after their decease. These interest- 
ing and ancient relics were removed to Southovcn Church, in which there is a very ancient tablet to the memory of 
" Gundreda." 

t South Yorkshire. Vol. L, p.p. 106. 



£ orbs of % Paaior of Makefato. 39 



slain in Palestine, in 1147. To this earl is ascribed a grant of all the Warren 
churches in Yorkshire, to the priory of Lewes, in Sussex. "We are indebted to 
the Kev. J. Hunter for satisfactorily deciding this point, upon which some 
difference of opinion had previously existed. Isabel de Warren married first 
William de Blois, son of King Stephen, who became 

IV. Earl of Surrey, and Earl of Morton, but died without issue in 1160. She 
married to her second husband Hameline, the natural son of Geoffrey, Earl of 
Anjou, and half-brother to Henry II. She died 13th July, 1199, and was interred 
in the Chapter-house, at Lewes. Hameline became 

Y. Earl of Surrey. He died 7th May, 1202, leaving issue by the said Isabel, 
William de Warren, 

VI. Earl of Surrey, to whom the Manor of Wakefield, &c, devolved. This 
earl married first Maud, daughter of William, Earl of Arundel, who died without 
issue. He married to his second wife Maud, daughter of William, Earl of 
Pembroke, and widow of Hugh, Earl of Norfolk, by whom he left issue. He 
died in 1239. This earl bestowed his patronage on the monks of Roche Abbey, 
to whom he made several grants of lands ; and also confirmed a grant, made by 
Matthew de Shepley to the said monks, of land, in Cumberworth, in the parish of 
Kirkburton. He was succeeded by John de Warren, 

VIL Earl of Surrey, aged five years at the death of his father. He married 
Alice, daughter of Hugh le Brun, Earl of the Marches of Aquitaine, sister by the 
mother, to Henry III., by whom he had issue. 

This earl rendered himself memorable by his conduct on being summoned by Edward I., to shew by 
what right he held his lands, &c, of which Hollinshed gives the following brief account. " King 
Edward standing in need of money devised a new shift to serve his tourne," he issued a proclamation, 
" that all suche as helde any landes or tenements of hym shuld come and shewe by what right and title 
they helde the same, that by such meanes their possessions might returne unto him by escheate, as chiefe 
lord of the same and so to be solde or redeemed agayne at his handes." This was a cause of much com- 
plaint on the part of the people. " Many were called to answer, till at lengthe the lorde John de Warren 
Earl of Surrey, a man greatly beloved by the people perceyving the King to have caste his net for a 
praye, and that there was not one whyche spake against him determined to stand against those so bitter 
and cruell proceedings, and therefore being called afore the justyces aboute this matter he appeared, and 
being asked by what right he held his lands, he sodenly drawing forthe an olde rusty sworde : by this 
instrument (sayd he) doe I hold my landes and by the same I intende to defend them." 

Another circumstance is recorded indicative of this earl's fiery and indomitable temper. " He having 
committed an outrage on Allen, Lord Zouch, of Ashby, and his son Roger, in Westminster Hall, 
occasioned by an estate being adjudged to Lord Zouch which was unjustly claimed by the fiery earl, who 
when the verdict was pronounced, gave way to the natural vehemence of his temper, drew upon that 
nobleman and his son, and almost killed the father and severely wounded the son. He was fined 10,000 



marks, which the king afterwards remitted to 8,400. In 1270 he executed an instrument at Croydon, 
stating his intention to stand to the judgment of the Court after his outrage, on pain of excommunication 
and forfeiture of his estates." 

In the 7 Edward I., (1278,) this earl was summoned " Quo Warranto," to answer by what right he 
appropriated to himself as a forest inter alia, all the divisions of Halifax and Holmfirth, and by what 
warrant he refused to permit the king's bailiffs to enter his lands to perform their offices, except his own bailiff 
were present; to which the earl answered that he claimed gallows at Conisborough and Wakefield, and the 
power of doing what belonged to a gallows in all his" lands and fees, * and that he and his ancestors had 
used the same from time immemorial. This earl died in 1304, having outlived his son and heir, William 
de Warren, who was killed in a tournament at Croydon, loth December, 1286. He had married Joan, 
danghter of Robert, Earl of Oxford, who was delivered of a posthumous child, John de Warren, who 
became 

VIII. and last Earl of Surrey of this family, also Earl of Strathearn, in 
Scotland, &c. He was one of the most powerful barons in England. He 
married Joan de Bar, daughter of Henry, Earl de Bar, and grand daughter to 
Edward I. ; the marriage was issueless, and not a happy one : both parties sued 
for a divorce, but the law of the church was uncompromising. He settled upon 
her an allowance of seven hundred and forty marks, per annum, for life. She 
died in 1361. 

One intrigue of this earl, observes Mr. Hunter, produced consequences which threatened for a time a 
premature separation of Wakefield from the possessions of the house of Warren. " The northern border 
of the lands in Yorkshire, forming the Warren fee, touched in a great extent of its course, on the fee of 
the Lacis lords of Pontefract. Disputes seem to have, from time to time, arisen between these great 
chiefs; and in the year 1268, it appears that in a dispute about a pasture, the Warrens and Lacis had 
armed each their retainers, and prepared for one of those lawless encounters, of which there are several 
instances in our baronial history, but were prevented by the king. Alice de Laci, the heiress of Pontefract, 
was of about the same age with the eighth Earl of Warren. She was given in marriage to Thomas, 
Earl of Lancaster, grandson of Henry iii., who lived for the most part at her castle of Pontefract. This 

* The following is an extract of Inspeximus in regard to the jus furcos at Wakefield. " Purcas apnd Wakefield et 
facere item Judicium quae ad Purcas pertinet, de omnibus terris et Feodis suis." Neither Halifax nor Holmfirth are 
mentioned, yet they must be comprehended in "omnibus terris et feodis suis." In a Roll 26 Edward I., (1297,) it stands 
recorded " Nicholas de Wyston recipavit quemdam exuentem cytheristam per plures vices, qui decollatus est ut creditur et 
quum ultimo recessit de domo suo permisit in custodia dicti Nicholai unam cytheram, et preceptnm est quod earn producat 
et quod attachiatur quosque producat," of which the following is a translation : — "Nicholas de Wyston hath harboured a 
certain » » » harper many times, who was beheaded, as it is believed, and when he last departed from his house he left 
in charge of the said Nicholas, a harp, and it is commanded that he produce it, and that he is attached until he do produce it." 

That the place of trial and execution of felons was originally at Wakefield, the head of the manor and the seat of its 
principal officers, we can scarcely doubt, but what led to its removal to Halifax, and what were the peculiar circumstances 
which caused it to he perpetuated there long after it had fallen into disuse over the rest of the kingdom, it is now perhaps 
impossible to discover. The jus furcw, |was a power vested in the lords of the great fee of Pontefract; and that right 
seems to have been exercised at A Imonbury within that fee, as the name of Oallow-Jield is still preserved there. 

The ancient gaol at Halifax, which was coetaneous with the jus furcce, belongs to the Lord of the Manor of 
Wakefield, for the imprisoment of debtors within the manor, under mesne process and executions out of the superior 
Courts. 



jjrbs of ih Manor of USahcfitfo. 41 



lady, on the Monday before Ascension day, A.D. 1317, was carried off by violence, to a castle of the Earl 
of Warren, at Reigate, in Surrey. There was much mystery in this affair at the time, and much scandal. 
Certain it is she was divorced by her husband, and the Earl of Lancaster proceeded to avenge himself by 
laying siege to the castles in Yorkshire, belonging to the Earl of Warren. But the king commanded he 
should cease from so doing; and further it is certain, that when in 1318, the Earl of Lancaster, engagad 
to pardon every one all trespasses and felonies done against him, he made an exception of the trespasses 
and felonies of the Earl of Warren. In the same year, (1318,) the Earl of Lancaster, who was then in 
the plenitude of his power, took from the Earl of Warren a grant of his Manor of Wakefield, for the life 
of the Earl Warren, if a make peace, it must be allowed a noble one. The Earl of Lancaster also obtained 
Coningsborough, thus banishing his rival entirely from the north. 

In 1322 the discontents of the Earl of Lancaster drove him into open rebellion. Amongst others 
to whom the king's warrant issued to pursue and take the earl, was the Earl of Warren, who was among 
the peers present in the Castle of Pontefract when sentence of death was passed on the Earl of Lancaster, 
and he was led forth to execution. On his death these lands escheated to the crown, nor did the Earl of 
Warren recover possession until some years afterwards. In the 1st Edward III., (1327,) a warrant was 
issued to the king's escheator, north of the Trent, not to meddle with the Castle of Sandal or Conings- 
borough, and the Manors of Wakefield, Sowerby, &c, to which the Earl of Warren laid claim, they 
being by consent of the said earl, and of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, who was brother of Earl Thomas, 
and his next heir, to remain in the king's hands, to be delivered to the said Henry. 

The grant of his Yorkshire lands to the Earl of Lancaster, had been made by the Earl of Warren 
only for his own life ; indeed he only possessed a life interest at the time of the grant, for a little before 
he had settled the remainder after his own decease on certain parties who must now be mentioned. 

Estranged from his wife, the earl took to his bed Maud de Neirford, a lady of a family of rank in 
the county of Norfolk. By her he had two sons, John and Thomas de Warren, and on these sons it was 
the desire and design of the earl that Wakefield and his other property north of the Trent should descend. 
For this purpose he conveyed to the king by charter, dated on the Thursday next after the feast of St. 
Peter and St. Paul, in 9 Edward II., (131G,) " Castra et villas meas de Coningsburgh et 
Sandal ; et maneria mea de Wakefeld, Hatfeld, Thorne, Sowerby, Braithwell, Fishlake, Dewsbury, et 
Halifax," and on the fourth of August following, the king by charter tested at Lincoln, made a regrant 
of the same lands to the earl for life ; remainder to Maud de Neirford for life ; remainder to John de 
Warren and the heirs male of his body ; remainder to Thomas de Warren and the heirs male of his body 
(both sons by the said Maud) ; remainder to the heirs of the body of the said earl, lawfully begotten, and 
in default of such issue to revert to the king. This remarkable disposition however did not take effect, 
for the two sons died before the earl without leaving issue, and he also survived Maud. 

After the death of Maud de Neirford the earl is stated to have married Isabel de Holand, " and pre- 
vious to this marriage," says Watson, " the king seems to have been prevailed upon to secure to the said 
Isabel what before had been settled upon Maud." 

" As a difference of opinion seems to exist, whether this Isabel de Holand was ever Countess of 
Warren, I have introduced an interesting extract from the earl's will ; * ' jeo devys a Isabel de Holand 
ma compaigne mon avel d'or oue le bone ruby.' "The precise force of the word compaigne," observes 
Mr. Hunter, " as applied to Isabel de Holand, is not apparent. Joan de Barr was beyond question then 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. 
P 



42 f oros of i\t HUttor of MieMo. 

alive, and bearing the title of Countess of Surrey, but it is thought by many that the marriage was dis- 
solved, and that Isabel was in truth his wife, a relation which was expressed by the word compaigne, of 
which we have a pertinent proof in the will of Richard Fitz Allan, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, nephew to 
the Earl of Warren, who desired to be buried in the Priory of Lewes, 'pres de la tombe de ma treschere 
compaigne Alianore de Lancastre.' '' 

" This Isabel," says Watson, " survived the earl, living till the year, 33 Edward III., (1359,) and 
keeping courts at Wakefield, &c, in the name of the Countess de Warren." 

Mr. Leatliam * in his more recent enquiry states that after the death of Maud 
de Neirford, in the 23 Edward III., "it (Manor of Wakefield,) appears to have 
been given to Joan de Bar, the earl's former wife, from whom he had been 
divorced, and was held by her as Countess of Warren." " This statement," he 
observes in a note, " varies from that of Watson, but is the result of a careful 
examination of the Court Rolls of this period, the name of Joan de Bar is 
inserted in the rolls of the 23 Edward III., as 'Countess of Warren;' the 
style before this period is merely "The Court at Wakefield," and after this 
period, until the 33 Edward III., (1359,) "The Court of the Countess of 
Warren," &c. f The difference between Mr. Watson's statement and that of 
Mr. Leatham, although the latter is the result of " a careful examination of the 
Court Rolls," seems to arise only from a different apprehension of the person 
to whom the title of Countess de Warren was intended to apply : Mr. Watson 
applying it to Isabel, while Mr. Leatham assigns it to Joan de Bar. 

It is shewn by the researches of Mr. Hunter, that Isabel stood in a somewhat 
different relation to the earl from Maud de Neirford. But " previous to the earl's 
marriage with Isabel," says Watson, "the King seems to have been prevailed 
upon to secure to her what before had been settled upon Maud," the earl having 
then lost all future disposal of the manor. In the 23 Edward III., (1348,) only 
about a year after the earl's death, the " Countess de Warren" appears upon the 
rolls. The allowance of seven hundred and forty marks per annum, made by the 
earl to Joan de Bar, for life, was undoubtedly intended to be in full satisfaction 
of all claims by her against his estate ; and, therefore, there seems to have been 
no necessity, — neither does it seem probable that he would, under " the estrange- 
ment," endeavour to obtain from the king a grant to her of the Manor of Wakefield, 
although it is certain that Isabel de Holand was living with him as wife, for 
whom he would be desirous of making some suitable provision for life. But, 

* The History of Wakefield and its Antiquities; being one of a series of lectures delivered at the Literary and 
Mechanics' Institutions, 1845. 

t Watson must, therefore, have been mistaken, when he stated that " Isabel, Countess of Warren," is found in the 
court rolls at Wakefield. 



goto of % $awor of HfebftDr. 43 

supposing Joan de Bar to have had such a grant, why did she not retain it until 
her death, which occurred in 1361 ? Whereas, we find that in the 33 Edward III., 
(1359,) the "Countess de "Warren" ceases to appear on the rolls, which period 
agrees with the time usually stated as that of the death of Isabel. There is 
another circumstance not unworthy of being named, that "Joan de Bar," after 
her marriage, was styled " Countess de Surrey," by which title she presented a 
clerk to one of the Warren Churches, in the year of the earl's death. We, 
therefore think, so far, the weight of evidence is in favour of Isabel being in 
reality the " Countess de Warren," and lady of the Manor of Wakefield. If Mr. 
Leatham is correct in saying that the earl was divorced from Joan de Bar, (of 
which, however, the accounts I have seen are not quite clear,) there stood then 
no legal impediment to a marriage with Isabel de Holand. 

John de Warren, the last Earl of Surrey of that name, died on the 30th June, 
1347, on his sixty-first birthday, and was buried in the Abbey Church of Lewes. 

On the 6th of August, 1347, only thirty-seven days after the death of the earl, a royal 
patent was signed at Reading, ' per manus Lionelli filii nostri carissimi custodis Angliae,' (the king 
being then in France,) by which 'omnia castra, maneria villas, terras, et tenementa cum pert, quae 
fuerunt Johannis de Warrenna nuper comitis Surr. in partibus ultra Trentam, et quae occasione mortis 
ejusdem comitis in manu nostra existunt,' were settled on Edmund of Langley, a younger son of the 
king, and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to John of Gaunt, and Lionel of Antwerp, and their 
heirs male respectively ; remainder to the crown. This grant was confirmed by parliament, but Edmund 
not being more than six years of age, his mother, Queen Phillipa, was allowed to receive the profits for 
the education of him and her other children. Edmund had been created by his father Earl of 
Cambridge, but in the 9th Richard IT., he was advanced to the title of Duke of York. He died 
1st August, 3rd Henry IV., (1402,) seized inter alia of the Manor or Lordship of Wakefield, leaving 
Edward, Earl of Rutland, his eldest son and heir aged 26 years, who thus on his father's death became 
Duke of York. This Edward, then Earl of Rutland, engaged in a conspiracy with the Earls of Kent, 
Huntingdon, and Lord Spencer, who had been degraded from their respective titles of Albemarle, Surrey, 
Exeter, and Gloucester, conferred on them by Richard II., together with the Earl of Salisbury, and 
Lord Lumley, for raising an insurrection, and for seizing the king's person at Windsor, but the treachery 
of Rutland gave the king warning of the danger. The conspirators were afterwards taken and 
executed, ' but,' says Hume,* ' the spectacle, the most shocking to any one who retained any sentiment 
either of honour or humanity, still remained. The Earl of Rutland appeared, carrying on a pole the 
head of Lord Spencer, his brother-in-law, which he presented in triumph to Henry as a testimony of his 
loyalty ! This infamous man, who was soon after Duke of York, by the death of his father, and first 
prince of the blood, had been instrumental in the murder of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester ; had 
then deserted Richard II., by whom he was trusted ; had conspired against the life of Henry, to whom 
he had sworn allegiance ; had betrayed his associates, whom he had seduced into the enterprise ; and now 
displayed in the face of the world these badges of his multiplied dishonour.' " 

* History of England. 

f2 



44 forte of % gtaonr of HbbfidGtr. 

It remains only to be said of him, that he accompanied Henry V. in his expediton to France, and lost 
his life at the battle of Agincourt, in 1415, (being a fat man, he is reported to have been crushed to 
death,) leaving a widow Phillipa Mohun. 

The duke dying without issue, his honours and estates descended to his nephew, Richard of Conings- 
borough, as he was usually called, after the fashion of the Plantagenets, naming themselves from the 
places of their birth. The father of this Richard, who is usually called Earl of Cambridge, married 
Anne Mortimer, the daughter of Roger, Earl of March, son of Edmund, Earl of March, and Phillipa the 
daughter and heir to Lionel, Duke of Clarence. This marriage brought the claim to the crown to the 
house of York, for her brother, Edmund Mortimer, the last of the Mortimers, Earls of March, died without 
leaving issue, but not until after the death of Anne, so that she is not in strict propriety called the 
heiress of Lionel, Duke of Clarence. In her issue, however, the rights of Lionel inhered entire. 

This Richard, Earl of Cambridge, appears not to have been insensible to the wrong which was done to the 
house of Mortimer, by the accession of Henry IV. to the throne. A little before Henry V. left England 
to prosecute his war in France, this Richard was engaged in a real or supposed conspiracy, and was attainted. 
His act of attainder gives rather a different view of his object from that which is to be found in our 
common histories. The treason alleged therein was, conspiring to lead his brother-in-law Edmund, 
Earl of March, to the borders of Wales, and there proclaim him king, and countenancing the 
impostor, Thomas de Trumpington, de Scotice ideotam, who personated Richard II. The whole act is 
curious, and the reader may peruse after it, with pleasure, the scene at Southampton, so powerfully drawn 
by Shakspeare, in the first part of King Henry V. The Earl of Cambridge was beheaded in 3 Henry V. 
(1415.) This earl could have no view upon the crown himself, for his wife Anne Mortimer was dead, and 
Edmund, Earl of March was living, and did actually live through the whole reign of Henry V., and till the 
3rd year of his successor. He was also married, but at his death left no issue, so that his nephew Richard, 
son of Richard of Coningsborough and Anne Mortimer, was his undoubted heir, and the equally undoubted 
heir to the rights of Lionel's posterity. A long period elapsed before he ventured to assert them. 

Richard, Duke of York, married Cecily Nevil, a daughter of Ralph, Earl of Westmorland, and she 
produced him offspring. The stimulations of the ambitious family of Nevil, the weakness of the rule of 
Henry VI., and his own love of power, did not suffer this duke to forget the right which had descended 
to him from his mother, and he gave indications of his aspiring disposition before his conduct ceased to be 
equivocal. The issue of the struggle is well-known. The lords of the party of Lancaster were laying 
waste his lands in Yorkshire, * when he hastened to Sandal, which appears to have been a favourite 
residence, -j- With about 5000 men he left London on the 21st December, 1460, giving orders to his 
son, the Earl of March, to come and join him with the rest of the army. In his progress thither, he 
received the mortifying news of the queen's success in the levying of troops. At length having arrived 
at Wakefield, he heard that the queen was advancing towards him with greatly superior numbers. On 
this he resolved to retire to his castle at Sandal, until the Earl of March should arrive with the rest of 
his forces. The queen soon appeared before the walls of Sandal Castle with the main body of her army 
led by the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, provoking her enemy to battle, sometimes by menaces, and at 
other times by insults and defiances, observing that it was disgraceful to a man who aspired to a crown to 
suffer himself to be shut up by a woman. This was more than he could endure. The Duke of York 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. Vol. I., p. 113. 

+ In the 38 Henry VI., (1460,) December 19th, the King granted to John, Earl of Shrewsbury, out of the Manor of 
Wakefield, for life, 100 marks per annum ; the manor being then in the crown by the forfeiture of Richard, Duke of 
York. Sec Rolls fine. 38 Henry VI., p. 1, m. 16. (Patent Roll I suppose.) 



f orbs of % Paitor of MAckfe. 45 

had, until this fatal moment, invariably displayed great prudence in his conduct ; but on this occasion he 
unfortunately suffered his courage to determine his conduct, contrary to the opinion of his officers, par- 
ticularly Sir David Hall and the Earl of Salisbury, who advised him to despise these vain reproaches. 
He marched out of Sandal Castle, and drew up his forces on Wakefield Green, trusting that his own 
courage and experience would counter-balance his deficiency in numbers. He had no sooner arranged 
his small army in order of battle, than he was attacked by the Queen's troops, who being far more 
numerous than his, had greatly the advantage. While he was pressed in front by the main body of the 
enemy, the troops in ambush under Lord Clifford and the Earl of Wiltshire, fell upon the rear of his 
army. This unexpected assault threw his forces into such confusion that in half-an-hour they were routed, 
and almost annihilated ; the duke himself was slain valiantly fighting hand to hand with his enemies. 
His body was soon recognised among the slain and his head was cut-off, and crowning it with a paper 
crown was by Lord Clifford fixed on the top of his lance, and presented to the Queen, who ordered it to 
be placed on the walls of York. 

The duke's second son, the Earl of Rutland, who was only twelve years of age, was flying from the 
sanguinary scene, when he was overtaken by Lord Clifford, who plunged his dagger into his breast, 
notwithstanding the earnest entreaties of his tutor to spare the young prince's life. 

Thus fell Richard, Duke of York, about the fiftieth year of his age ; his abilities, together with the 
weakness of the reigning monarch, had placed him within one step of the throne, and one act of rashness 
hurried him to the grave, This battle was fought on the last day of the year. 

This apparent success seemed to have confirmed the power of the Lancastrians, but it proved only a 
prelude to their destruction ; for the spirit and object of the father descended to the son, Edward, Earl 
of March, then Duke of York, who by the battle of Towton, fought on Palm Sunday, the 29th of March, 
in the following year, avenged the death of his father, and thereby placed the crown on his own head, 
and thus became King Edward IV. 

The Lords of the Manor of Wakefield thus became kings of England. 

On the marriage of Henry VII. with Elizabeth of York, the ancient rivalry of the white and red 
rose was extinguished, and there being no probability that the right of succession of the issue would be 
questioned, the whole of what had been settled upon Edmund Langley was declared to be resumed, and 
for ever annexed to the crown.* This was done in parliament 2 Henry VII., and the manor continued 
parcel of the royal possessions until 1554, the time of the marriage of King Philip and Queen Mary, 
when it was united to the Duchy of Lancaster. 

In the reign of Charles I. the Manor of Wakefield was again granted from the 
crown. The king, by his letters patents bearing date 28th July, in the sixth year 
of his reign, (1629,) for the consideration of one thousand six hundred and forty- 
eight pounds, one shilling, granted the same to John Hawkyns and Thomas 
Leeke, gentlemen, in trust for Henry, Lord Holland. On the 30th November, in 
the following year, Thomas Leeke, only surviving trustee, by the direction of 
Henry, Earl of Holland, conveyed the same to Robert Leeke f and William 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. Vol, i., p. 113. 

t Mr. Leeke resided at Horbury, near Wakefield, and was apparently somewhat of an Antiquarian Collector, and bis 



46 £ crirs jo£ % Pawor of Malufieftr. 

Swanscoe, gentlemen, in trust for Sir Gervas Clifton, of Clifton, in the county of 
Nottingham, knight and baronet, and Penelope, his first wife, daughter of Robert 
Rich, Earl of Warwick, and their issue. The marriage portion, £6000, had been 
given by the will of Charles Blount, Earl of Devonshire.* 

The name of Sir Gervas Clifton is rendered memorable by the number of his 
wives, on which account Ralph Thoresby styles him "the noted baronet who 
out-did Henry VIII. in the number of his wives," having had seven. But, 
unlike Henry, he seems to have been a kind and indulgent husband ; his last wife 
survived him but a short time, dying in the same year with himself. He served 
in eight parliaments. It is recorded of him that " with generosity, hospitality, 
and charity he entertained all, from the king to the poorest beggar," "being 
generally the most noted person of his time for courtesy. He was an extraor- 
dinary kind landlord and good master." He died 28th June, 1666. He left 
issue by three of his wives. By his first wife he had only one child, " the 
wretched and unfortunate Sir Gervas, his father's greatest foil." f 

By deed, dated 12th February, 1657, Sir Gervas Clifton conveyed the said manor 
for the sum of £3500, to Anthony Oldfield and Richard Clapham, in trust for 
Christopher Clapham, Esq., afterwards Sir Christopher, who by their deed, dated 

connexion with this manor for more than twenty-five years, afforded him an opportunity of examining the records and 
other evidences of that office, and making extracts from them. 

I find mention of manuscript collections in three volumes made by him; two volumes of which are each entitled, 
" A Book of Manuscripts ; " and the third entitled, " Manuscript Collections, concerning several of the Ancient Customs, 
&c, within the Manor of Wakefield." 

These volumes were borrowed in 1704 by a gentleman within the Graveship of Holme, of Mr. Thomas Leeke, the grandson 
of the collector, then also of Horbury, by whom it is stated they had not been returned, and for the recovery of which, 
some time after, a legal process was issued. The party accused admitted having borrowed the property in question, but 
declared that the same had been duly returned to the owner. Beyond this point the papers from which I quote afford no 
further information. Not having seen reference made to these MSS. by any topographical writer, I have been led to state 
these particulars respecting them, in the hope that this notice may lead to further enquiry. 

* '* Charles Blount, Earl of Devonshire, married Penelope, eldest daughter of Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex : this 
lady had been forced into a marriage with the wealthy Eobert Eich, Earl of Warwick, to whom she proved faithless ; 
from him at length she was divorced, having abandoned her husband, taking with her five children, whom she declared to 
be the issue of the Earl of Devonshire ; who, on his part, midst the fearful conflicts of various and contrary feelings, 
submitted to the impulse of those, which till now, had been the chief ornaments of his character. He received her, with 
what mournful cordiality may easily be supposed; and on her divorce from the Earl of Warwick, which of course imme- 
diately followed, was married to her at Wanstead, in Essex, on the 26th December, 1605. Laud, (afterwards Archbishop 
of Canterbury,) who then was a young man, and the earl's domestic chaplain, performed the nuptial ceremony. The earl 
survived the wretched union but a few months. He died the 3rd April, 1606, and was buried in Westminster Abbey." 
He is stated by a contemporary writer to have "left his lady (for so she is generally held to be,) fifteen hundred pounds a 
year, and most of his moveables; and of five children that she fathered upon him at the parting from her former 
husband, I do not hoar that he provided for more than three, leaving the eldest son, I hear, between £3000 and £4000 
per year; and to a (laughter, six thousand pounds in money." This daughter was Penelope, who married Sir Gervas 
Clifton, as already stated. She died in 1613. 



47 forte of % ilanor of W^eMo. 

19th February, 1660, conveyed the same to the said Sir Christopher Clapham, of 
Uffington, in the county of Lincoln, knight. By indenture, dated 10th July, 

1677, Sir Christopher Clapham conveys the same to Craven and Wiatt, 

in trust, for what purpose does not appear. By indenture, dated the 4th June, 

1700, Sir Christopher Clapham, knight, Craven and "Wiatt, conveyed all 

the said manor to his Grace the Eight Honourable Thomas, first Duke of Leeds, J 
which descended with the title, until George William Frederic, sixth Duke of 
Leeds, settled the same, with other estates in trust, on his son-in-law, Sackville 
Lane Fox, Esq., and to his heirs by Lady Charlotte Mary Anne Georgiana, only 
daughter of the said duke, in whom it now vests. 

t Throseby's History of Nottinghamshire. 

t Crabtree (History Halifax,) by a very unaccountable mistake states that it was bought by Peregrine, the third Duke 

of Leeds. 



Clje ^btrofoscrit anb |Uctorn of ^mton. 



The Church of Burton, otherwise Kirkburton, appears to -have been founded 
about the same time as those of Almonbury and Huddersfield. There is no 
mention of them in the Domesday Survey, which is regarded as presumptive 
evidence that they were not then in existence. 

Dr. Whitaker, in treating upon the church of Burton, appears to have adopted 
rather a fanciful speculation concerning its site. He says " wherever the name of 
Burton [qu. Burg-town,] occurs, may probably be expected either the remains or 
tradition of a Saxon fortification. Accordingly, at this place the parish church, 
from which there is a steep declivity on the north and west, the appearance of a 
ditch on the south, and a deep and a narrow lane at a corresponding distance on the 
east, has every appearance of a Saxon fort, though the keep has been levelled. In 
addition to these appearances, a small sike, immediately adjoining to the north and 
east is still called the Old Saxe Dike." I shall not presume to dispute the general 
accuracy of the Doctor's suggestion, in regard to the etymology of the name, 
but I apprehend that he was misled by too hasty a survey of the place, and an 
insufficient knowledge of the habits and peculiarities of the district. The " Old 
Saxe Dyke," the name usually given to this small brook, had undoubtedly a very 
different origin. The aged people of the district well remember when the sexton 
of the parish church dwelt in a house near this rivulet, and as he was usually 
designated the old Saxe, or Sac, (for sexton,) * the brook thereby acquired the 
name of the old saxe dyke. 

Concerning its early severance from Dewsbury, Dr. "Whitaker says, "it still 
continues to pay a pension of four pounds per annum, as a mark of its ancient 
dependence upon that ancient and fruitful mother of churches, Dewsbury, — a sum, 
the amount of which at that remote period, is to be accounted for from the great 
extent of the parish of Burton, at least ten miles in length, and probably 
containing fifty square miles." 

* The sexton is still popularly known as the sac 



&{xe ^Ibfrotoson mtu l&trtavg of §itrloir. 49 

Dr. Whitaker has certainly over-estimated the extent of this parish. It is now 
clearly ascertained that it does not comprise more than 16,000 acres, including 
a very considerable extent of moor-land. Respecting the first foundation of this 
and the neighbouring church of Almonbury, several learned antiquarians, who 
have written upon the district, are agreed that they were founded by the Norman 
barons soon after they had acquired these possessions. After a careful examina- 
tion of certain evidences, and the peculiarities of the district, we are led to the 
conclusion that they are of Ante-Norman origin : the grounds of which we will 
briefly state. 

This parish comprises within its limits the townships of Burton, Shelley, 
Shepley, Cumberworth Half, Thurstonlancl, Wooldale, Fulston, Hepworth, and 
Cartworth ; the four last-mentioned lie within the Graveship of Holme, and all 
within the Manor of "Wakefield : but there are likewise three other townships 
within the said Graveship, viz. : Holme, Austonley, and Upper Thong, also 
within the Manor of Wakefield, which form part of the parish of Almonbury. 
It is extremely difficult to conjecture what the circumstances were which led to 
so arbitrary a division as we have just described, as they have long since ceased 
to be apparent ; for why Earl Warren, if he were the founder, did not include the 
whole of this part of his fee in the parish of Kirkburton is very extraordinary, 
especially when it is remembered that the townships of Holme, Austonley, and 
Upper Thong, are at least a mile nearer to the church of Burton than 
to that of Almonbury. That such a division of the parish should have been a 
matter of indifference to the Warrens, if they had the power to control it, will 
not be difficult to disprove, by a circumstance which bears singularly on this 
point, and which, if it do not elucidate it, at least furnishes us with a glimpse of 
evidence which may guide us in our enquiry through the dark vista of so many ages. 

We have already seen that the church of Dewsbury was the ancient parish, or 
mother church, of these districts during the Saxon times : but whether chapels 
had been erected at Burton, Almonbury, Huddersfield, fyc, anterior to the Norman 
Conquest, and had districts assigned to each, is the question to which we purpose 
directing our enquiry. Dr. Whitaker, in reference to the chapel at Hartishead, 
says, " It may have existed before the time of Domesday, which, as it does not 
take notice of chapels, affords no evidence of their non-existence. In regard to 
Burton," he says, " at the aera of Domesday here was no church." * 

He also states that this church, with several others, were granted by William, Earl Warren and Gundreda, his wife, 
daughter of the Conqueror, to the Monks of St. Pancras, of Lewes. In this he was mistaken; the first Earl of Warren 
had no connexion with the Manor of Wakefield. It was acquired by the second Earl Warren, who died in the year 
1138.— See History of the Manor. 

G 



50 %\t ^bbotos0n anu §wtorg of Jgrahm. 



Whatever was the state of the church when Earl "Warren came into possession 
of this great fee, we have incontestible evidence that he distributed his bounty 
with a liberal hand. He, as well as the lords of the adjoining fee, endowed their 
churches if they did not found them with the tithes of their respective lands, 
certain annual payments being reserved to the mother church of Dewsbury, viz. : 
from Kirkburton, £4 ; Almonbury, £2 6s. 8d. ; Huddersfield, 4s. ; Kirkheaton, 
£1 3s. 4d. ; Bradford, 8s. The wide difference in the amount of these pay- 
ments bears no proportion to the extent of the several parishes, or the quality of 
their respective lands ; Kirkburton paying the highest, and being the least 
productive ; and yet, Mr. James, in his History of Bradford, states, that the 
payments made by Bradford and Huddersfield, to Dewsbury, were equivalent to 
their value. This is so obviously erroneous, that it is evident we must look to 
other sources for an explanation of so great an inequality. 

It perhaps may be questioned whether, in taking this subject into consideration, 
sufficient attention has been paid to the fact, that the churches of Burton and 
Dewsbury were parcel of the "Warren fee, while those of Almonbury, Huddersfield, 
Kirkheaton, and Bradford, were connected with that of the Lacis ; that when 
these churches were endowed by their respective owners, their object was to 
reserve all such endowments to their own churches ; thus, to the churches of 
Dewsbury and Burton, Earl Warren while desirous of giving to the latter a 
sufficient maintenance, was equally anxious to preserve to the former an ample 
competence. The Lacis would not be influenced by these considerations, and 
doubtless would resist all attempts of the rectors of Dewsbury, to exact from their 
territories what otherwise might have been granted to them. Still they might 
be constrained by ecclesiastical authority, to submit to small annual payments 
from each, in token of their dependence. 

If we suppose Earl Warren to have been the original founder of this church, it 
seems extremely difficult to account for such an ecclesiastical division, in assigning 
the townships of Holme, Austonley, and Upper Thong, to Almonbury, and at the 
same time reserving to his own church of Dewsbury the rectorial tithes arising 
from them, which afterwards passed with that church to the monks of St. 
Pancras, at Lewes, in Sussex. Here we have Earl Warren's special care to 
further the interests of his own church in regard to its endowment, while 
apparently disregarding its parochial division ; a supposition which seems in no 
degree probable. Moreover, we find in the Domesday Record, that these three 
townships or, as they are there stated to be four, were not surveyed in connexion 
with the other townships within the Graveship, but were regarded as quite 



^jw ^bixofoson artir lUticrrg 0f Jjurtcrn. 51 

distinct arid independent : fortunately, Domesday, in this particular, is 
unusually explicit; it states in " duabas Holne," (two Homes,) " Alstanelie," 
(Austonley,) and "Thoae," (Tliong,) "the King two carucates." Again, after 
enumerating Breton, Horbury, and Osset, it states " besides these there are to be 
taxed two carucates in Holne, and another Holne, Alstanelie, and Thoae, one 
plough may till this land. It is waste; wood here and there. Some say this 
is Thaneland, others in the Soke of Wakefield." Here, then, we find at the 
Norman Conquest these townships, which afterwards constituted part of the 
Graveship of Holme, were held by a more independent tenure, at which time it 
was doubted whether they even owed soke to Wakefield. Domesday likewise 
mentions their last Saxon owner, Dunestan, whom the Conqueror dispossessed. 

We are led to infer, therefore, that the churches of Burton and Almonbury 
were founded at some period antecedent to the conquest, and that Dunestan, or 
some of his progenitors, when these districts were divided for greater ecclesias- 
tical accommodation, might be led by some local consideration to desire their 
annexation to Almonbury.* They might be, and doubtless were, denominated 
chapels, and, therefore, were not mentioned in the Conqueror's survey : to each 
Chapel had been assigned a district or chapelry : — these chapelries, after the 
conquest, were constituted parishes, and then it was that the Norman barons 
displayed their munificence, by granting to these churches so liberally of " their 
spoil." 

The church of Burton was granted by the third Earl Warren and Surrey, along 
with Dewsbury, Halifax, and Wakefield, and the rest of their churches and 
chapels in Yorkshire, to the Priory of Lewes, in Sussex, t which religious house 
had been founded and endowed by his ancestor, William de Warren, the first Earl 
of Surrey. 

The value of this rectory, according to Pope Nicholas' taxation, taken in 1292, 
is stated at £35 9s. 8d. per annum. 

The exact time when the monks of St. Pancras, of Lewes, alienated the 
church of Burton is not knoAvn; they presented for the last time in 1331. To 

* Perhaps the circumstance as recorded in Domesday, whether this was " Thaneland," or " in the Soke of Wakefield," 
affords the best solution of the difficulty, why these lands were assigned to Almonbury in that division, and not to 
Burton, as their Saxon possessor would be desirous of thus asserting a more independent tenure, and ridding himself of 
any apparent or supposed connexion with the Soke of Wakefield, even though it subjected him to inconvenience of 
distance in his religious devotions. 

t For further particulars respecting this grant, see the Histories of Halifax, by Watson and Crabtree. 

G 2 



52 ©]}[$ ^bfrofostm anb |Udcrrg .of fQuttan. 

whom they granted it is equally unknown ; we find, however, that in 1356 it 
vested in the king, (Edward III.,) from the following extract from Torre's 
MS.S., p. 803. 

14th July, 1356. The church of Burton having been given by King Edward, in the 30th year of his 
reign, to his new-founded College of the Chapel of St. Stephens, in the palace yard of Westminster, was 
by John, Archbishop of York, appropriated to the Dean and College thereof, who, in recompence to the 
hurt done to his Cathedral Church thereof, reserved out of the fruits thereof an annual pension of 13s. 4d. 
to himself and successors, and to his Dean and Chapter 6s. 8d., payable by the said Dean and College at 
Pents. and Marts, by equal portions. Also reserving a competent portion for a perpetual vicar. All 
which was confirmed by the Chapter of York, 9th August, 1356." 

Dr. Whitaker, with a view to account for its passing from the monks of Lewes 
to the College of St. Stephens, conjectured that this church, along with that of 
Wakefield and others, had again reverted to the Warren family, and, by the last 
earl were once more granted to the Chapel of St. Stephens. " This," says Mr. 
Hunter, in reference to the church of Wakefield, but which is equally applicable 
to that of Burton, "was gratuitous and improbable. It also left him to 
account for the possession of the church of Wakefield by the last Earl of Warren, 
of which there was no proof, neither, indeed, of any connexion of the Earl 
Warren with the church of Wakefield after the time of the sons of the Conqueror, 
when the Warrens gave it to their newly-founded monastery of St. Pancras, of 
Lewes." Mr. Hunter then explains from positive evidence, how the churches of 
Wakefield and Dewsbury passed from the monks of Lewes by grant, in 1325, to 
the Despencers, who being attainted, forfeited them, together with the rest of 
their possessions, to the crown, "thus," says he "it was that King Edward III. 
acquired his right to give the church of Wakefield to the College of St. 
Stephens." 

At present nothing is known how the king, (Edward III.,) acquired the church 
of Burton, " that it was ceded by the monks of Lewes to the king, is indeed by 
no means an improbable supposition. They had given in the reign of Edward 
II. Wakefield and Dewsbury," as we have just seen, "to the Despencers. In 
fact, "the alien houses," says Mr. Hunter, "of which Lewes was, I think, 
accounted one, were often glad to save themselves from greater calamities by 
yielding up some portion of their possessions." 

On the 27th March, 1357, the ordination of this vicarage took place, and is 
thus described in Torres' MSS. 

" John, Archbishop of York, ordained that there shall be in the church of Birton one perpetual secular 
vicar, &c, the portion of whose vicarage shall consist in 



%\z ^utofxrson mxto geciurg uf gitrtoir. 53 

1. One competent mansion, with other sufficient edifices, at first erected by the said Dean and 
College of St. Stephen. 

2. The vicar shall have the whole glebe of the church which belonged to the rectory ; the rents of 
diverse tenants in the town only exeepted to the said Dean and College. 

3. Also he shall have the tithe-hay of the whole parish, and the tithe of lambs and wool, and both 
quick and dead mortuaries. All quadragesimal tithes, (tithes of line, hemp, milkness, calves, foals, pigs, 
broods, geese, hens, bees, wax, honey, ducks, poultry, pigeons, eggs, swans. Of fruits and herbage, and 
hay of the gardens and crofts of the whole parish;) and the tithe of mills, whether already built or 
hereafter to be set-up. And all sorts of obventions and small tithes in anything whatsoever. 

Likewise the Peter pence and pennies for hallowed bread, and all oblations whatsoever made in 
espousalls, purifications of women and children, baptisms, and wax offered in sepultures and exequies of 
the dead ; the tithes of garbs of any sort of blade of the same parish only excepted to the said Dean 
and College. 

Furthermore ordaining, that if the said Dean and College should recover the tithes of herbage of 
woods and parks of woods, of iron and coal mines under ground in the places of decimation, that then 
they shall pay out of such, tithes to the vicar for the time being yearly. 

And that the said Dean and College shall bear all extraordinary burdens incumbent on the same 
church, and stand to the new building or repairs of the chancel ; and the vicar bear all the ordinary 
burdens thereof forever." 

The living was valued in the king's books at £13 6s. 8d., after deducting 
synodals 7s. 6d., and procurations 4s. 

It seems to have been customary to grant out the rectorial rights on lease. 
Mr. Hunter * observes, respecting Burton and Penistone, — the latter of which had 
also been given to the College of St. Stephen, that : 

The Dean and College were accustomed to grant leases of their rights in the two adjoining parishes 
Penistone and Burton, one of which dated 17th November, 37 Henry VIII., [1546,] which was the 
year before the College was suppressed I have seen. It is made to Thomas Burdet, of Denby, 
gentleman, and William Hawksworth, of Gunthwaite, yeoman, and assigns to them for twenty-one 
years, ' those two personages of Pennystone and Birton, with all glebe lands, tithes, rents, &c, apperteyning 
to the said two personages, &c, at an annual rent of £53, to be paid to them or their attorney in their 
countying-house at Westminster.' 

Establishments, such as the College of St. Stephens, did not fall with the monasteries, but by the 
operation of the act of 1 Edward VI. 

At the dissolution of the College of St. Stephens, the Rectory and Advowson of Burton, along with 
many others, again reverted to the crown, and the rectorial tithes of Penistone and Burton were again 
leased out by letters patent by Queen Elizabeth, dated 22nd July, 8th of her reign, for £145 15s., for 
twenty-one years, to Nicholas Smyth, citizen and merchant taylor, of London, late in the tenure of 
Thomas Burdet, all late parcel of the possessions of the Free Chapel of St. Stephens. Smyth soon after 
for £120 assigned the remainder of his lease to Francis Wortley, of Wortley, Esq., from whom it passed 
to his son, Sir Richard Wortley, who had a renewal of the lease, first for a term and then for three 
lives. 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. Vol. ii., p. 337. 



54 &jjc ^tbbotoson: mttr JUdnrg of ^xxxion. 

Near the close of the reign of Elizabeth, an attempt was made by the vicar to 
regain to the church the tithe-hay, and certain lands held by the impropriator, as 
part of the rectory, by bringing the case before " Commissioners appointed to 
divide spiritualities from temporalities," wherein it was stated that : 

Mr. Wortley, farmer of her majesty's rectory of Kirkburton, claimeth the tithe corne and hay 
within the same, and a certain close called the Long Close, as parcel of the same. The Rev. William 
Smith, vicar, demandeth the said tithe-hay, &c." "Whereupon the said vicar came before Mr. Baron 
Savile and others, being commissioners, concerning things given " ad pios usus," and now wrongfully 
detained or employed, and there sheweth forth certain Easter-books to prove that tithe-hay was due unto 
him. And also the ordination of the vicarage, whereby the tithe-hay was given unto him, and further 
witnesses to depose that the said tithe-hay was part of the said vicarage, and was paid to the said vicar 
for the time being, unto the 20th year of the queen's reign. And likewise that the said Long Close is 
parcel of the said glebe of the vicarage. The jury upon these proofs (Mr. Wortley being absent, and 
having no counsel there) found that the said tithe-hay and close were wrongfully detained by Mr. 
Wortley from the said vicar, and upon return of the verdict unto the chancellor under pain of £500 was 
awarded to give possession of the said tithe-hay and close unto the vicar. 

The case was again heard, when Mr. Wortley produced his title to the tithe-hay, &c. 

1st. He shewed by letters patent that the hay was demised to him. 2nd. That both he and his 
father, and others before them, as farmers to her majesty, hath been ever in possession of it : and the 
said vicar never in possession thereof. 3rd. That the officers of the College of St. Stephens, in West- 
minster, whereunto the said Rectorie was impropriated, did yearly, from the time of Edward III. until 
the time of Henry VI., sell the said tithe-hay, together with the corne in right of the said College. 
4th. That in the ordination of the vicarage there is a clause augendi et diminuendi, &c, and the payment 
of the said tithe-hay unto the College within a short time after, for many years together, sheweth that 
the ordination was altered. 5th. It appears by a survey in the 2 Edward VI., [1547,] and by a com- 
mission, 2 and 3 Philip and Mary, for division of spiritualities from temporalities, that the tithe-hay 
belongeth to the parsonage; * and that by a survey of the vicarage, 26 Henry VIII., [1534,] tithe-hay 
was no part of the vicarage. 

Mr. Wortley's title to the Long Close. — 

1. That the said close hath been ever in the possession of Mr. Wortley, his father, and other farmers 
before them, and never in the possession of the said vicar. 2nd. That it is found by the said commission 
for dividing of spiritualities from temporalities, that two crofts belong to the parsonage, and there are no 
other crofts or closes belonging to the said parsonage. 3rd. That one Otha Hunt, who was vicar of 
Kirkburton before the said now vicar, [Smith,] did take the said closes and the said tithe-hay of one 
Smith, who was then farmer of the said parsonage. 4th. That when the vicar sheweth his Easter-books 
it is apparent by a roll 35 Henry VIII., [1543,] that the vicar let the tithe-corne and hay as an approver 
for the College, and so came it to be entered into the Easter-books, although it belonged not to them. 

It was therefore moved on behalf of Mr. Wortley, that the injunction may be dismissed for the 
reasons aforesaid, and the vicar referred to the law in regard to the matter concerning her majesty's 
inheritance : and is not therefore as Mr. Wortley taketh it, inquirable by virtue of the said commission 
ad pios usus, aa directed by Mr. Baron Savile and others. 

• Through the whole of thin document " parsonage" means the rectory. 



CJtf lltrtotusnit una 'j&utaxv of giuifln:. 55 

What was the immediate result of these proceedings we have not been able to 
discover.* We find nothing more concerning it till the year 1606, about which 
time Mr. Smith, [the vicar,] petitioned the Lord Chancellor Ellesmere, to grant 
processes against Jervas Golthorpe and about thirty other parishioners, to recover 
the tithe-hay and close, &c, in possession of the impropriator. In the same year 
we find, that — " by virtue of a commission directed to William Ramsden, of 
Longley, Esq., and others, for the examination of witnesses in a case depending 
in the Court of Wards and Liveries, between Henry Hubberd, knight, his 
Highnesses attorney of the said court plaintiff, and William Smith, clerke, 
defendant, — the said commission was to meet and hear evidence ' at Almonburie 
Church, upon Thursday next after Trinitie Sonday." The issue of these pro- 

* It may here be observed that Mr. Wortley, afterwards Sir Richard Wortley, knight, died in 1603, leaving Francis 
Wortley his eldest son and heir, aged twelve years, who subsequently became Sir Francis Wortley, the first baronet. We 
shall here introduce a short notice of him, partly on account of his connexion with this parish, partly because he was an 
active magistrate of the West-Riding in " troublous times," but more especially with the view of recording one or two 
unpublished facts relative to himself and family. We may first observe in regard to the rectorial tithes, or modus in 
lieu of it, that Sir Francis Wortley and his father, appear to have preserved a good understanding with the parishioners 
of Kirkburton, which is very different from the disposition they manifested towards the landowners, &c, of the parish of 
Penistone, who found it necessary to "bind themselves to mutual support against attempts which were made by them to 
exact tithes in kind ; " a proceeding in that parish which rendered them exceedingly unpopular. Perhaps the attempt 
made by Mr. Smith, the vicar of Kirkburton, to recover tithe-hay, might impel the impropriator and the parishioners to 
make common cause. 

Sir Francis Wortley became, in 1608, a commoner of Magdalen Hall, Oxford; in 1610, he was knighted by King 
James at Theobalds; and created a baronet on the first institution of the order, in 1611, being the thirty-ninth gentle- 
man upon the list, and the third of the county of York. About that time he married a daughter of Sir William 
Bouncker, of Milksham, in Wilts, by a daughter of Sir Walter Mildway, and during the remainder of that reign, and the 
earlier years of the next, he appears to have lived a happy life at Wortley, " treading in the steps of his worthy ancestors," 
says Wood, "in hospitality, charity, and good neighbourhood." The Oxford Antiquary further describes him "as well 
learned in the Greek and Latin authors, of a ready quick wit, a good speaker, and well-seen in poetry." It is a pleasing 
picture which Taylor, the water poet, presents of the courteousness and hospitality of Sir Francis, in the account he givea 
of his visit to Wortley and Wharncliffe, in 1639. f 

Sir Francis was a firm friend of the Earl of Strafford ; they had for their political antagonists the Saviles, of Howley 
Hall. A misunderstanding appears to have originated as early as 1623, out of an election for kinghts of the shire for 
this county. He was occasionally about the court, for in Trinity term, 2 Charles I., Sir Thomas Savile was indicted for a 
breach of the peace within the palace, to wit, for assaulting Sir Francis Wortley, and he pleaded his pardon. — See 
Poplam's Reports, 207. 

"I find," says Mr. Hunter, " this affair there mentioned in a letter of Joseph Mede, preserved in the Harl. MS., 383, 
dated 2nd September, 1626. 'It hath been reported here that Sir Thomas Savile and Sir Francis Wortley, knight, of 
Yorkshire, have slain one another in single combat.' " 

The following account of the affair is recorded by Mr. Hepworth, of Shepley Hall, J in a MS., to which we shall have 
occasion to refer hereafter; the circumstances which it records places it beyond doubt as to its being the origin of the 
dispute between these powerful knights. "Memorandum, that [ was att Henry Potters, in Crofton, at Dynner, upon 
Sonday, the 25th of January, 1623, there beinge at Dynner the same time Matthew Heather, of Sharlston, Henry Potter, 
and myselfe, and Henry Potter's wiffe ; and beinge sett together speeches began amongst us concerning the last election of 

+ See Mr. Hunter's " South Yorkshire." Vol. ii., p.p. 316, 317. J See Hepworths of Shepley Hall. 



ceedings seem to have terminated adversely to the vicar's claim, as I find at a 
later period an allusion is made to it, wherein the writer states that " one Smith, 
vicar, about eighty years ago sued for tithe-hay but got it not." 

The rectory was granted by King James I., by letters patent, in the fourth 
year of his reign, to Henry Butler and Henry Ogle, in trust for the Duke of 
Lennox ; this must have been in reversion, as the "Wortleys still held by lease as 
already shewn. The duke, who was successively created Earl and Duke of 
Richmond, also had other honours conferred upon him in rapid succession. He, 
however, died in 1623, at Whitehall, suddenly, as he was preparing to attend 
parliament, leaving no male issue, and was succeeded by his brother, Esme 
Stewart in the dukedom of Lennox, who, by his wife Catherine, daughter and sole 
heiress of Gervas Lord Clifton, had issue several sons and a daughter, Lady 
Elizabeth Stewart, who married Henry Frederic Howard, Earl of Arundel, 
and had issue. Henry Howard, the second son, created Earl of Norwich, 
was in possession of this rectory in 1670. It would therefore appear 

knights for the parliament, which -was the xix January, 1623, amongst which talke we had some speeches that it wa3 
reported there were some faleinge [falling] out there betwixt Sir Francis Wortley and Sir Thomas Savile, which Matthew 
Heather said was true and thereupon tould us, (as he said the certaintie) as a friend of his who knew the passages had 
friendlie tould him, which was this, he said that after Sir Thomas Savile and his father, Sir John Savile, was chosen, Sir 
Francis Wortley came to Sir Thomas Savile and other gentlemen in a chamber in the the Castle garth, and tould him 
that a great trust was leyd upon him by the countrie, and therefore it would be expected that he should discharge that 
trust, and for his own particular he would looke to have an account of his doeings; which speeches Matthew Heather 
sa d Sir Francis did reitterat once or twice : whereupon Sir Thomas said ffiddle ffaddle Sir Francis, what adoe is here 
with you. Ffiddle ffaddle, said Sir Francis ! Yes, ffiddle ffaddle, said Sir Thomas. Some other speeches passed betwixt 
them but I did not heare what they was, soe they parted att that tyme. And upon the next morneinge Matthew Heather 
said that Sir Francis sent his man with a challenge to Sir Thomas, which was this, — that he would have him to take his 
horse and appoint his weapon, and go over with him into Germany, and there give him satisfaction for the wronge he 
had done him the day before; Sir Thomas answered that the countrie had imposed other business upon him, therefore he 
could not goe any such jorney, but said he would come to Sir Francis's chamber, which he presently did, and then tould 
Sir Francis that hs would not goe into Germany, and tould him his reasons, but if he pleased to take his horse and 
weapon and ride with him into the first or any meadow about Yorke, they two would end the quarrell, both which 
Matthew said Sir Francis denied him, and thereupon Sir Thomas cal'd in one Ireland to bear witness that Sir Francis 
denyed him. Of this I tould Sir Francis againe and he tould me for the beginning it was partly true, but the rest were 
not true." 

Not very long after this the aspect of public affairs began to change. " Sounds of war were heard all around, and Sir 
Francis Wortley entering earnestly into the royal cause, fortified his house at Wortley and raised a troop of horse, with 
which he kept up a guerilla warfare, annoying to the enemy, but of little importance to the decision of the question. 
This species of warfare would naturally create him many personal enemies, and he appears to have been treated with more 
severity than others who had stood forward in defence of the prerogative, when the war was over. 

He was taken prisoner at Walton-house, near Wakefield, on the 3rd June, 1644, and not only were his estates 
sequestered, but he was kept, for several years, a prisoner in the Tower. The order of parliament for his committal was 
made 22nd August, 1644." He died in London, but when or where he was interred is alike unknown. — It seems also a 
remarkable coincidence that of Sir Thomas Savile, who, by the death of his father, became Lord Savile, of Howley, and 
was afterwards created Earl of Sussex, nothing is known cither of the time of his death or the place of his burial. 



%\t ^bhotoson atttr JjLcctorg of gmitm. 57 



to have passed from Lennox to Howard by marriage. The earl about that 
time threatened legal proceedings against the parishioners, to compel the 
payment of tithe corn and hay in kind, and for many years refused to accept 
the accustomed modus in lieu thereof. In 1675, the earl, however, agreed 
to give a receipt according to ancient custom, on the payment of the modus, 
with the arrears then due, comprising a period of ten years, which was 
accordingly done. 

The Earl of Norwich, in 1665, commenced the founding of an hospital in 
accordance with the benevolent intentions of his ancestor, Gilbert, Earl of 
Shrewsbury, for the perpetual maintenance of twenty poor persons belonging to 
the town or parish of Sheffield, called " The Hospital of Gilbert, Earl of 
Shrewsbury." 

On the 23rd November, 1680, the Earl of Norwich by the death of his elder 
brother without issue, having become Duke of Norfolk, conveyed certain 
portions of his estate to trustees for the perpetual support of the Hospital, inter 
alia " the rectory of Kirkburton, with the glebe lands thereto belonging," and in 
connexion with which it has since remained. 

It has already been shewn, that in 1357, when this church was constitued a 
vicarage, tithe-hay formed a part of the endowment, but from some cause 
unexplained, it seems to have passed at a subsequent period to the rectory, and 
was included in the modus, or fixed annual payment due to the impropriators for 
tithe corn, which for the whole parish amounted to £20 0s. Id., called Rate 
Money, which was borne in the following proportions, and paid by each township 
on St. Mark's day, in the chancel of the church of Burton. 

£ s. d. 

Burton 2 4 7 



Shelley 2 2 

Shepley 2 2 

Thurstonland 2 6 3 

Cumberworth Half * 



£ 8. d. 

Fulstone 2 15 8 

Wooldale 2 11 

Hepworth 2 17 3 

Cartworth 2 4 7 

Scholes 18 7 



In 1852 this modus in lieu of the tithes was purchased by each of the 
townships, of the trustees of Sheffield Hospital, at the rate of forty years' 
purchase, according to their respective proportions, under the direction of the 
Tithe Commissioners for England and Wales, by virtue of the powers to that 
effect, given by the statute of 6 and 7 William IV., c. 71. 

* It would' seem that Cumberworth Half had not been subject to Tithe Corn. This would probably arise from its 
having belonged to a Religious House. — Roche Abbey. 

H 



58 



8$t Jbtarfosmi m)i JjUricrnr oi § virion. 



At the dissolution of the religious houses, this Rectory and Advowson reverted 
to the crown : and it seems not improbable that when the Manor of Wakefield 
was united to the Duchy of Lancaster, on the marriage of Philip of Spain to 
Queen Mary, the Advowson &c. might also form a part of that settlement, as 
the patronage has long vested in the chancellor of that Duchy. 



gansjj Cjjurdj d gwrton. 



" The situation of the town of Burton," says Dr. Whitaker, "is beautiful — on the 
verge of a valley finely diversified with native oak, which has been permitted to attain 
a greater bulk than usual, where it is not immediately intended for the purposes of 
ornament." In the midst of this thriving village, on a fine knoll, stands the Church, 
Avith its lofty embattled tower, bidding defiance to the raging tempest which has 
so often assailed it. True it is that the battling storms have not beat upon this 
edifice for so many ages without leaving deep traces of their tremendous power. 

To the east of the church is seen the Yicarage House, a neat and commodious 
building, embowered in lofty beeches and sycamores, among whose branches the 
deep-toned chorus of a colony of rooks adds to the solemnity of the place. 

"When seen at a distance, or from any of the neighbouring heights, the church 
is a pleasing and interesting object, but a closer inspection reveals some dis- 
cordant repairs and alterations made by successive generations of churchwardens. 
More recent repairs and alterations have been made which have greatly 
improved its appearance, and it is 
only to be regretted that they have 
not been extended to other parts 
of the edifice. 

The stranger, in surveying the 
graveyard, will not fail to observe 
the two ancient covered sheds, or 
Lich (lairs, which constitute the 
two principal entrances, — one at 
the south-east, and the other at 
the south-west corners of the 
ground. Under these sheds the 
corpse and mourners remained 
till the approach of the minister. 




Imrisjj Cjntrdj of ^mton. 59 



There are few of these now to be found in connexion with our Yorkshire churches. 
" Of the first Norman church," says Dr. Whitaker, "there are no remains; 
the present structure must have been built in the reign of Edward III. ; the 
east end has three lancet lights ; the nave has eight cylindrical columns, * 
with peculiar, but very elegant capitals, and the west door of the tower, of 
which the arch is pointed, is much enriched with a kind of hatched ornament." 

We may here observe, in connexion with the rebuilding of this church, that 
there is still remembered by some of the old people in the parish, a legendary 
story, winch represents that when the church was to be rebuilt, it was the desire 
of many of the parishioners to have it erected on Stocks Moor, in Thurstonland ; 
but no sooner had they determined to do so, and begun to convey the materials 
to the place, than they were as speedily removed back to Burton ; — that is, what 
materials had been brought in the day, were miraculously removed to Burton in 
the night so that the parishioners were at length obliged to adopt the ancient 
site ! 

Tins story appears to embody a probable fact under a very superstitious garb. 
It may be observed that the church of Burton is situate near the eastern 
extremity of the parish. This, when it was originally founded, no doubt arose 
from its being by far the most populous and fertile part. In the reign of 
Edward III. the population and cultivation of the western part of the parish 
had greatly increased, probably through the introduction of cloth manufactures, 
and with this increase of population, the distance from the church must have 
been felt a serious inconvenience. Accordingly, when it became necessary to 
rebuild the church, efforts would be made by the inhabitants of the western part 
to have it fixed in a more central situation : — thus, the situation on Stocks Moor 
seemed the most advantageous. What should have deterred the authorities from 
adopting it can now only be a matter of conjecture. The influence of the lords 
of Burton and Shelley, who were persons of the greatest consideration in the 
parish at that time, would most likely be adverse to the change ; and, perhaps a 
popular feeling also might exist to retain the ancient site. If the authorities, in 
the first instance, were disposed to make the change, it was ultimately 
abandoned ; but with a view to accommodate the western part of the parish, it 
is not improbable that it was arranged that a chapel should be erected in 
Holmfirth, for the convenience of the inhabitants of that district. Whether 

* Dr. Whitaker is here mistaken, all the columns are of octangular form, except one at the north-west end which is 
cylindrical, with the dog-tooth ornament in the capital. 

H 2 



60 



jarisjr Cljurcjr of §«rt0it. 



this was done at that time does not appear. A chapel did exist in Holmfirth in 
the reign of Edward IV., if it was not erected during the reign of Edward III., 
which, however, seems most probable ; the unsettled government of Richard II., 
and the dire effects of the long and protracted wars of the Roses, in which the 
lords of "Wakefield were principal actors, so engrossed the minds of the people 
that there seems little reason to expect it was accomplished at that period. 
Another circumstance seems to favour the supposition of its having been erected 
in Edward III.'s reign, the king having granted the patronage of tins church to 
the Dean and College of St. Stephens ; it was held by them till the dissolution of 
the monasteries, by Henry VIII., therefore Edward IV. had no immediate 
control of the ecclesiastical arrangements of the parish, although he was lord of 
the Manor of "Wakefield. He might, notwithstanding, make an annual grant 
towards the maintenance of a priest or chaplain ; — for we find there is extant a 
confirmation under the privy seal of Richard III., of a grant made by Edward IV. 
"to the king's tenants of Holmfirth, member of the lordship of Wakefield, of 
xl 3 ' per ann., towards an exhibition to ministre divine service in the chapel 
there." 

The tower of the church of Burton is twenty-six yards high, and of two stages, 
with diagonal buttresses to the first ; the second stage is surmounted with a strong 
battlement without pinnacles. A cursory inspection will readily discover that it 
is of a more recent date than the body of the church; the stone being of a 

different kind of grit, except the west door, which 
accords with that of the church, differing also from 
the rest of the tower which is of the plain perpen- 
dicular style. This ornamented doorway of the tower 
over which is a small niche, had before been the 
west door of the church. A closer examination 
will likewise shew that previously to this erection, 
the church of Edward Ill's, reign had no tower, 
as indicated by the strong buttresses at the west- 
end of the nave, from which arose a small belfry 
containing a bell. The tower was probably erected in 
in the reign of Henry VII. or VIII. It has recently 
been furnished with a peal of six musical bells. About 
thii'ty-five years since the porch was rebuilt, and the north choir, at which 
time a vestry was added. The water tables on the east-side of the tower 
shew that the roof of the nave has been angular and lofty, but now 







larislj Cjntrrjj of §mlcrti. 61 



greatly reduced ; this change may perhaps date back a century or more. These 
alterations tend to destroy those fair proportions which this church anciently 
possessed. 

Extensive repairs have been made in this structure within the last few years. 
The chancel has been entirely rebuilt, and the interior of the church very greatly 
improved by the removal of the screen, plaster work and whitewash, by which the 
edifice had long been disfigured. A handsome east-window has been introduced, 
and the pews and stalls have been made uniform. The church is fitted-up with 
an efficient warming apparatus, and has very recently been lighted with gas, thus 
rendering it one of the most comfortable and interesting of our country churches, 
reflecting credit upon the architect employed ; but especial praise is due to the 
worthy vicar, to whose untiring zeal in the accomplishment of this desirable work, 
the parishioners are much indebted. The nave of the church is seventy-four feet 
long, by forty-six wide. The chancel is forty-four feet long by nineteen feet 
wide ; in the south side wall is a piscina. The nave- has a centre and two side 
aisles. The north choir was the property of the lords of the Manor of Burton ; 
and the south choir belongs to the lords of the Manor of Shelley; the early 
lords of these manors having founded chantries here."* 

Galleries have been erected on the north and south sides, and at the west-end : 
faculties being granted for these purposes in 1770, and 1780. In 1789 a faculty 
was obtained to re-pew the church. About the year 1830 an excellent-toned 
organ was erected in the west gallery. 

The pews in the chancel are the property of the trustees of Sheffield Hospital, 
the impropriate rectors. 

"It is not very probable," observes Dr. Whitaker, "that painted glass was 
introduced into the windows of this church before the reign of Henry VII, yet 
the ancient lords, the Earls Warren were not forgotten. " " In Dugdale's elegant 
manuscripts of Yorkshire Monuments, &c, are three shields copied from the 
windows of this church; namely, 1st Warren, 2nd Warren, and a bordure 
Argt. ; 3rd Warren, and on an escutcheon Argt. a bend gules." f 

"In one of the windows," of the south choir, "remaining not many years 
since, was the figure of a woman, holding a church in one hand, and a palm 

* There are two chantries returned in Archbishop Holgate's catalogue. The time of their foundation is not known, 

Kirkburton. — The service or stipend of our Ladye in the parish church, the yearly value IXs. IVd. 

The stipend of St. Nicholas, in the said church, the yearly value.. XIIIs. 

+ Whitaker's Leod. and Elmete. 



62 l^rislj Clj«rx:| of §xtrtcm. 



branch in the other." " In the western window," of the north choir, were these 
arms, namely, Arg. a chevron between three crosslets, gules." It is scarcely 
necessary to say that these have now almost, if not entirely disappeared. 

The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and the certified A^alue of the 
benefice is £14 9s. 6d. In the parliamentary survey there was found "belonging 
to the parish church of Burton a vicarage presentative, with cure of souls, 
the profits thereof worth about eighty pounds per annum. Mr. Daniel Clarke 
is vicar, a painful preacher, who receiveth the profits. The Rectorie is 
impropriate." 

There is nothing deserving of special remark in regard to the stalls or pews, 
except one opposite the pulpit, on which is engraven in the wood, " john walker, 
xx of apeil, anno domi., 1584." It has been asserted by some ecclesiastical 
writers, that prior to the reformation, the seats or stalls in our parish churches 
were open to all the parishioners indiscriminately, and that no rights were either 
acquired or recognised till after the reformation. Some misapprehension exists 
on this point, such rights were recognised long before that period, as the 
following somewhat remarkable charter evidence proves, which is in the author's 
possession, and which, in more respects than one, is an interesting document. 
It is an award made by the kirkgraves, [churchwardens] of the church of 
Burton, to settle a dispute respecting the rights of certain persons to kneel, &c, 
in a certain stall in the said church ; and bears date 1490. It also indicates the 
separation of the sexes in the churches, a custom which begun to decline about 
the period of the reformation.* Whatever tends to disclose the social condition 
and habits of our remote ancestors must always be interesting. 

" To all true Cristian People this our present wrytyng indented seyng or heryng We Thomas 
Hynchclyff, Thomas Chapell, Richard Marsh, John Dalton, John Home, John Pogeson, James 
Charlysworth, John Stakwod, Thomas Tynker, John Hutchonson, John Charlysworth, John Barnesley, 
John Lytylwod and John Wade y e Kirkgraves of y e Parish Kyrke of Burton send greatyng in our Lord 
God : Knawe ye all universile yat whereas diverse controversies, and quarells nowe late wer had and 
moved & also yett be pendynge betwixt John Jakson on ye one partie, and Richard Wright upon ye other 
partie and in especiall for knealynge of yare wyffes & yare menze [families] at a fourem in ye said Kirke 
of Burton. Whereuppon due examynatyon of & in thies premisses afor us all byfor named & ay r now- 
had thallegeaments & records of both ye said parties to ye same herd & by gud deliberation clerlie 
understand it is condescended & fullie agred emonge us by all our Reasones & Myndes afor named also 
by y e advice & discretion of many of theldyst & discretyst persones of ye said parysh in forme insuynge 

* Thus we find Sir Thomas More in his Utopia, states " when they came thither the men go into the right side of 
the church, and the women into the left side." Perhaps Sir Thomas had observed a detention from ancient custom 
which he might think augured no good. 




farisb (torch of ^Burton. 63 

ya* is to witt that ye sa id John Jakson wyff and his menze [family] of dutye and ryght ought to knell at 
ye said fourem bynge in variance next to ye pyllor. of ye same in lykewysse as yare ancessours hath doon 
without tyme of mynd. And then next unto her & her menze [family] the wyff of William Morehouse & 
her menze. And the wyff of ye said Richard Wryght next to the stulp of the said fourem end if it her 
pleas or els her sons wyff or on of her prentices. And soe it hath ben had & used without tyme of 
mynd as God and all y e said parysh right well knoweth and for mor acredance herof to be had to y is our 
Wryteyng indented. We y e said Kirkgraves hath set our sealys xxii. day of Octobre in yer of our Lord 
God millcccclxxxx." 

About a hundred years since the sexton of this church, while digging a grave, 

found an ancient silver hoop or ring, for 

the finger, but whether within the church 

JJ^nffiQlP^ or in the churchyard is not now remem- 

OfTTOr +IIICV/0'" -VJKf t?fl" bered, upon which the following inscription 

is engraven, "amoe + meus + i.h.s. est. 
I.H.S. is perhaps a contraction for Jesus, or as some writers contend, they are 
the initials of "Jesus hominum Salvator." This ring had probably belonged to 
some ancient ecclesiastic, who had been interred with it on his finger. This 
relic soon after its discovery fell into the hands of the late Mr. Newton, of 
Stagwood Hill, who retained it in his possession about seventy years. It is now 
in the author's possession. 

The Registers of this parish commence in 1540, within about two years of the period when the act 
was passed, requiring Registers to be kept in churches. From their commencement to the close of the 
year 1607, they have been kept with tolerable regularity, but with occasional breaks. There is a con- 
siderable hiatus, extending form 1607 to 1639. From that time downward the register seems to have 
been preserved with considerable care. 

They contain no records of special interest. In 1583 there is an entry of the churchwardens' accounts 
which we here give. — 

s. d. 

"Imprimus paid unto Thomas Shawe for fyndinge bred & wine, upholdinge the 

bellstringes, & washing the church clouse, or church geare, the some of XX. VI. 

" Item paid unto John Senior for mosinge the church & Reparation thereof the some of XXVI. VIII. 

" Item paid for Rynginge for the Queene the some of V. IV. 

" Item paid for Mending the Bell Clapper the some of XVI. 

" Item paid for the article at Pomfret at the Visitations XX. 

" Item paid for Keeping the Roges at Wakefield XIII. IV. 

" Item paid for wrytinge of these that were ratyeffed XVI. 

" Item paid for one lock and keye, pen inc and paper the some of II. VII. 

Somma totalis IHibs. XIX 3 ' IV*- 



Close Catalog of % $itars of ftkhbttrtcm. 











TIME OF INSTITUTION. 


VICARS. 


PATRONS. 


HOW VACATED. 


1st April, 1357 


Dns Rich, de Birton 


Dec. & Coll. Sei. 








Stephen Westm. 


Death ■ 


11th Jan., 1361 


Dns Robt. Pelle, Cap. 


The same 




2nd June, 1406 


Dns Robt. Boner, Cap. 


The same 




16th Febr., 1425 


Dns Will. Sutton, Phr. 


The same 




3rd April, 1447 


Dns Ric. Champney, Cap. 


The same 


Death 


1st Nov., 1472 


Dns Geor. Graveson, Cap. 


The same 


Death 


9th April, 1506 


Dns Henr. Suthill, 
Otho Hunt, CI., 


The same 


Death 


12th July, 1579 


William Smith, CI., 


Eliz. Reginse 


Death 


19th April, 1615 


Gamaliel Whitaker, M.A., 


lac. Rex. 




14th Mar., 1642 


Daniel Clarke, 






1649 


Nathaniel Shirt, M.A., 




Death 


23rd May, 1662 


Joseph Briggs, M.A., 


Carol. II. Rex. 


Death 


1727 


Robert D'Oyley, M.A., 




Death 




William Mountjoy, M.A., 


• 


Death 




Benjamin Kay, M.A., 




Death 




Thomas Wickham, M.A., 




Resigned 




Edward Markham Willan, 




Resigned 




Benjamin Hutchenson, 




Death 




Rev. Richard Collins, M.A., 








present vicar. 







§rief ftoikes of some of % items of ftirhburion. 

Henry Suthill. 
He is supposed to be descended from the ancient family of Suthill, of Suthill, near Dewsbury. Little is 
known of him beyond the circumstance of his being appointed to this vicarage on the 9th April, 1506, 
and being buried here on the 9th July, 1562, having been vicar 56 years. During this long incumbency 



larisjj CIjurHj d "§wdam. 65 



there had been five successive sovereigns on the throne. His appointment was made in the reign of 
Henry VII., in the dominant period of Romanism, when the priesthood had uncontrolled power in the 
state : continued through that of Henry VIII., with its great changes — the early steps of the Reformation 
and the dissolution of the monasteries : also, through the reign of Edward VI. with the temporary 
establishment of Protestantism : and, the inauspicious reign of Mary when Romanism again predominated ; 
and until after the accession of Elizabeth, when Protestantism took a permanent stand. What effect these great 
religious and social changes had upon the mind of Mr. Suthill, whether his sympathies were more 
accordant with the old or the new religion, can now only be matter of conjecture ; all we know is, that 
he remained vicar till his death. If it would not be putting too uncharitable a construction upon his 
conduct, we might be led to suppose that, like his contemporary of Bray, he had determined to live and 
die vicar of Burton. 

Otha Hunt 

Was a native of Swinton, in the parish of Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham. He was educated at 
University College, Oxford ; and became a fellow of that college. He was presented to the vicarage on 
the death of Mr. Suthill, He also acquired the valuable rectory of Methley, where he resided, and 
resigned the vicarage of Kirkburton, in 1579, but retained Methley till his death, which took place in 
1590 or 1591. He gave all his lands in Swinton. freehold and copyhold, to the college where he had been 
educated, for the maintenance of scholars, first, from Swinton ; secondly, from any place in the parish of 
Wath ; thirdly, from the parishes of Methley and Kirkburton ; and when no applicant from any of these 
places, fourthly, from any other place in Yorkshire. Mr. Hunt never resided at Kirkburton. 

William Smith, M.A., 

Was inducted to this vicarage on the 12th July, 1579. He continued here till his death, in 1615. His 
name is in no degree remarkable, except for lawsuits with his parishioners, and the impropriate rectors of 
the parish, respecting the tithes. .He did not succeed in obtaining "tithe-hay, but got wool and lamb in 
kind, yet he was not made so rich thereby," as stated in a MS., written about the year 1680, " but that 
some of his children went a begging from door to door, and that in Holmfirth also, within the memorie of 
some yet living, which might be a caution to his successors from treading too much in his steps." 

Gamaliel Whitaker, M.A. 

He was entered of St. John's College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1605, and M.A., in 
1608, and was appointed to this vicarage in 1615. We have already had occasion to notice, at some 
length, the character and family of this gentleman in connexion with the part he took in the civil war, to 
which we must refer the reader. He died at Manchester, where he was suffering imprisonment, in 1644. 

Daniel Clarke, M.A., 

Was educated at King's College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1631, and M.A., in 1634. 
He was for a short time minister of Denby Chapel, [church,] and married a daughter of George Burdett, 
of Denby, Esq. Mr. Clarke was favourable to the cause of the parliament, for he was appointed by ordinance 
of Parliament of the 14th March, 1642-3, "to officiate in the church of Kirkburton, and to receive the 
profits of the said vicarage for his paynes, till further orders be taken by both houses of parliament." 
This arose from Mr. Whitaker having been suspended or displaced. In the parliamentary survey Mr. 
Clarke is styled " a painful preacher." He removed from Burton about the year 1649. 

I 



66 Jparislj Cljunjr oi §mri0ir. 

Nathaniel Shirt, M.A. 

Nathaniel Shirt was a native of Cawthorne, near Barnsley, where his family seem to have been both 
numerous and respectable. His father's name is supposed to have been John, who was steward to 
Godfrey Bosvile, Esq., of Gunthwaite Hall. Captain Shirt, of Rawroyd, near Cawthorne, a parliamentary 
officer in the civil war, was also a near relation. He was born about the year 1620, and at a proper age 
was entered at Emanuel College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1639-40, and that of 
M.A., in 1643. He was appointed to the episcopal chapel of Midhope, by Mr. Bosvile the patron of the 
living, which he held in 1647. But on the retirement of Mr. Clarke from Kirkburton, he was appointed 
to succeed him, probably through the same interest, as Mr. Bosvile's * influence with the goverment of 
the time, and his own attachment to the parliamentary cause, would procure for Mr. Shirt a favourable 
reception among the parishioners. He married Sarah, daughter of the Rev. Nicholas Broadley, 
incumbent of Cawthorne. 

Although Mr. Shirt's family were attached to the parliamentary cause, he seems to have adopted no 
extreme political views, for when the parishioners, among other grievances, complained that " the arms of 
the late king, [Charles I.,] were still kept in the [parish] church," it is evident Mr. Shirt did not 
sympathise with them ; and as they seem to have manifested some hostility to him, it is not improbable 
it might arise from this cause. 

Mr. Shirt died shortly after the restoration of Charles II., apparently of a very short sickness. He 
was interred at Kirkburton, on the 3rd May, 1662. 

Joseph Briggs, M.A., 

"Was a native of Wakefield, where his father, whose name was William, had resided some time. He was 
baptized at the parish church on the 25th March, 1639. He received his early education at the 
Grammar School in that town, and was, in May, 1654, admitted a sizar of Magdalen College, Cambridge, 
at 14 years of age ; having for his tutor, Mr. Joseph Hill, " a man of some eminence in his day." At 
the time of his entering college his father was dead, and he records of himself, that he was " of a sickly 
constitution of body." 

He took his B.A. degree in 1658, and that of M.A., in 1661. Where he was ordained does not 
appear ; the Archiepiscopal See of York was then vacant, so that he had to seek it from some bishop out 
of the diocese. He was resident at Swillington, in 165 \ as curate to his valued friend, the Rev. Henry 
Robinson, then rector of that parish, who had previously been vicar of Leeds, and whose daughter, Grace 
Robinson, he afterwards married. By the death of the Rev. Nathaniel Shirt, in 1662, the vicarage of 
Burton became vacant, when Mr. Briggs was appointed his successor, and was accordingly inducted on 
the 31st May, in that year. He was thus called upon at an early age, to fill a responsible situa- 
tion in the church, at a very trying and exciting period of its history, being shortly after the restoration 
of episcopacy, and within three months of the period when so many of the clergy were ejected from their 
livings by the act of uniformity. 

* Mr. Bosvile resided principally at Wroxall, in Warwickshire, and was elected member of parliament for Warwick, in 
the long parliament. When the royalists and parliamentarians joined issue, he took the side of parliament, "and was 
appointed, in 1643, colonel of a regiment of foot. In the same year he was named one of the commissioners for the 
West-Riding, to put in force the act for the punishment of scandalous clergymen and others, and also for the speedy 
raising and levying money. In 1648, he was named one of the high court of justice for the trial of the king, in which, 
however, he never sat." He died in 1658.— Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire. Vol. ii., p. 348. 



The principles of the Puritans and other sects had taken deep root here during the Commonwealth, 
and the circumstance that one of his predecessors had, in the early part of the civil war, been entirely 
overwhelmed by his opposition to the popular cause, at once indicated that the situation, for a young man 
of such very limited experience, was one of no light responsibility. It does not appear that Mr. Briggs 
had any misgivings of this kind, but set himself earnestly to the performance of what he regarded as his 
duty. His ministry here was prolonged to the extraordinary period of sixty-five years, during which 
time he was led to publish several small works, in defence of the established church, and the improvement 
of its discipline. 

Like many conscientious men, Mr. Briggs looked with abhorrence upon the period which immediately 
preceded the restoration, as " the disordered times," — which he believed to have originated in the diversity 
of religious doctrine among the people, and thought that to reduce these various elements to one uniform 
standard of doctrine and discipline, was the paramount duty of the state. In the accomplishment of this 
object the episcopal clergy, now reinstated in their former position, were ready to become active instru- 
ments, from a conviction that, unless this great work was effected, the scenes which had so recently taken 
place might ere long be re-enacted. 

With these views he applied himself to the task of reducing the " schismatics," and restoring them 
again to the bosom of the church ; and if his persuasions failed in their object, he did not scruple to call 
upon the civil magistrate to enforce obedience. He maintained the divine right of kings, with its 
associated principle of "passive obedience." When Charles II. granted his Indulgence, in 1672, to the 
nonconformists, Mr. Briggs shortly after published a small volume, which was addressed to his parishioners, 
in which he observes, "it is not fit for me, or any other son of the church, who profess the strictest 
obedience and loyalty, to make any saucy descant upon his Majesty's actions. He is wise as an angel of 
God, and freely do we submit to his deliberate counsels and determinations," &c. This servility, even in 
Mr. Briggs, was subsequently put to the test. 

But he had differences of another kind with his parishioners, in regard to the tithes ; these 
differences were kept up, more or less, till the close of Charles II's. reign ; but in that of James II. it 
resulted in a suit, in which he " sued a number of the principal parishioners for tithe-hay, flax, hemp, and 
rape, in the Exchequer Court," upon all, except the first, he was successful. 

Scarcely had this suit been concluded, when James II. issued his "Declaration," dated 4th April, 1687, 
for the suspension of the penal enactments, by which he granted liberty of conscience to his subjects. 
This was commanded to be read by the clergy in all churches and chapels : upon which, Mr. Briggs 
as well as a large proportion of the clergy, manifested a strong spirit of resistance, and as it seems, made 
it, not unnaturally, the subject of animadversion from the pulpit. It appears that on the 12th and 19th 
June, succeeding the issuing of the declaration, Mr. Briggs preached sermons in the parish church, and 
,in the episcopal chapel at Holmfirth, in which he is reported to have used several " seditious expressions 
against the government of the king." The witnesses against him were a number of parishioners, who 
probably were strongly embittered by their recent contest respecting the tithes, and who appear to have 
made these expressions known to the authorities ; upon which they were called to give evidence before 
Mr. Justice Alibone, at Rotherham, who was then on his return from "the assize for the northern 
circuit," " who examined them touching the said sermons ; " after which the judge ordered their affidavits 
to be made and forwarded to " The Ecclesiastical Commissioners," the prosecution being undertaken by 
the judge. The result of which was, that the court decreed that for his offence, Mr. Briggs should be 
suspended from his function as vicar, until further orders ; peremptorily requiring him to abstain from 

i 2 



68 1| arcs|j CjwrtJj of §ttrfoit. 



preaching, &c, upon pain of deprivation. His suspension was read and published in the church of 
Burton, and in the chapel of Holmfirth, on the 16th October following. He afterwards applied to " The 
Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and acknowledged his fault, and was thereupon released from his suspension, 
and restored to his benefice." 

The long-cherished maxim of " passive obedience," had now been put to the test, when he saw the 
Anglican church in danger of being subverted, through the stubborn will of a Popish king, and his conscience 
at once dictated the line of duty. It is, however, much to be regretted that he afterwards submitted to 
the humiliation of acknowledging this as a "fault." 

It must also be stated that, soon after William III. became seated on the throne, Mr. Briggs instituted 
a suit for compensation, against those parishioners who had given evidence against him, laying his damages 
" at £500 for losses sustained," alleging also, that " The Ecclesiastical Commissioners" had been unlawfully 
constituted, and, therefore, had no jurisdiction, and that the prosecution had been unjustly instituted. 
It was contended by the defendants that, as the Commission was unlawful, its orders were void ; that the 
prosecution had been instituted by Judge Alibone, and that they only gave evidence as to fact. The 
pleadings describe him as " a very troublesome litigious vicar." 

We will now turn to the more agreeable part of his character, as a minister of the sanctuary, — here he 
seems to have been most exemplary in the performance of his duties, and especially in the work of 
catechising the young ; for his deep sense of the importance of whch he acknowledged his great obliga- 
tions to his early and revered friend, Mr. Robinson, his father-law, who not only first drew his attention 
to it, but furnished him with the most material part of the questions and answers upon the Apostle's creed, 
which he used, and which he afterwards published in 1696, along with question and answers "of the 
Baptismal Covenant, the Decalogue, the Lord's Prayer, and concerning the Sacraments," which he 
entitled, " The Church Catechism, explained to the meanest capacity ; not only in questions and answers, 
as usual, but after each answer is an enlargement by the catechist, for the improvement and further 
instruction of the congregation in general. Useful for families. By Joseph Briggs, M.A., Vicar of 
Kirkburton, in the county of York." He printed a second edition in 1722, when he had been vicar of 
the parish sixty years, and dedicated it to Sir William Dawes, Archbishop of York. 

In 1704 he published another small volume, entitled, "Catholic Unity and Church Communion, or 
Christians' duty to communicate with the church of England ; with a just reproof of several novel and 
schismatical notions and practices, particularly that of occasional conformity ; clearly stated and proved 
by way of question and answer. Suited to the well-meaning countryman's capacity. By Joseph Briggs, 
Vicar of Kirkburton, in the county of York." It is dedicated to " John [Sharp,] Archbishop of York." 
Mr. Briggs acted many years as a surrogate for the proving of wills, &c, to which office he had been 
appointed in the reign of Charles II. 

He was twice married. His first wife was Grace, daughter of the Rev. H. Robinson, rector 
of Swillington, by whom he had issue. She died in 1695. His second wife was Ellen, widow of John 
Earnshaw, of Holme, whom he also survived. 

He died on the 25th July, 1727, in the 89th year of his age, and was interred in the chancel. 

Robert D'Oyley, M.A., 

Was appointed vicar on the death of Mr. Briggs, but was non-resident, being also vicar of Windsor, but 
whether of Old or New Windsor is not known. This parish did not, therefore, benefit much by his 
personal services ; indeed, it is reported that during the whole period of his connexion with this church, 
which was nearly forty years, he only paid three visits to it. The Rev. John Hardy, who had been 



I^risfr CJntrtlj uf §mtcra. 69 



curate to Mr. Briggs, in the latter years of his life, also became curate to Mr. D'Oyley, and remained 
through the greater part of his incumbency, till Mr. Hardy became incapacitated by age, when the Rev. 
William Mountjoy was appointed to succeed him as curate. 

The neglect on the part of the vicar to appear more frequently among his parishioners, gave them 
great cause of complaint, and the reasonableness of that discontent appears to have been felt by Mr. 
Hardy, as is implied in the following facetious reply of the vicar to his curate, dated " 15th June, 1736." 
" Methinks Yorkshire nettles are very forward this year, and sting mightily, and surely one or more of 
them had not lightly touched you when you wrote your last, for I think I never saw so many marks and 
signs of a pet as I saw in yours." 

" The people grumble, and murmur, and upbraid you with my absence ? Silly people for so doing. 
How can you help it ? * * Well, to set all things right, I'll certainly, God willing, be with 

you next summer, — this, I can't possibly, let matters require never so much. * * I believe 

you never once thought how travelling is disagreeable to the old Fellow, — how hard a matter to get a 
supply for Windsor. These are things. Yesterday Bpshop] of Sarum was here and told me that A[rch] 
B[ishop] of Y[ork] could not visit, neither would he be in your country. — So newspaper, what art thou." 
* * * * " Yours in good humour, 

"D'Oyley." 

Mr. D'Oyley died in 1766. 

William Mountjoy, M.A., 

Was descended from an ancient and respectable family, at Wooton-under-Edge, in Gloucestershire, where 
his father was an eminent surgeon. After receiving his elementary education in his native town, he was 
entered of Brazen Nose College, Oxford ; where he took at the usual period his B.A. degree, and in due 
course that of M.A. He was ordained to the curacy of the parish church of Huddersfield ; from thence 
he was appointed, by Mr. D'Oyley, resident curate of Kirkburton, about 1754, on the resignation of Mr. 
Hardy, through bodily infirmities, which also rendered it necessary for him to resign the office of school- 
master to the Free School of Burton, to which Mr. Mountjoy was likewise appointed. On the death of 
Mr. D'Oyley, he was appointed to this vicarage through the interest of the Earl of Dartmouth with Lord 
North, then prime minister. He married Jane, daughter of Mr. John Gill, of Blackhouse, in 
Thurstonland, who survived him many years. Here he continued till his death, on the 7th September, 
1778, aged 47 years, having been twelve years curate, and twelve years vicar. He was a worthy, pious 
minister, a good preacher, and from his amiable and conciliatory manners, gained the warm affection of 
his hearers, and the esteem of his parishioners. 

Bknjamin Kay, M.A. 
Was inducted on the death of Mr. Mountjoy, and was in many respects the opposite of his predecessor, 
from whom he differed widely in doctrinal sentiments. Although possessing strong religious feelings, and 
many excellent qualities, which in some situations might have rendered his ministrations eminently useful, 
he was, unfortunately for himself and his parishioners, of an irritable and imperious temper which was 
but too frequently manifested in the excitement occasioned by the annual collection of the vicarial tithes, 
under circumstances calculated to arouse a determined spirit of resistance on the part of the parishioners. 
This was felt by them more especially after the quiet, peaceable, and unostentatious demeanour of Mr. 
Mountjoy, 



70 f)ansfj Cjnwlj of gwrtnn. 

Mr* Kay had not been long seated at Burton, before he gave indications of his intentions to assert 
what he conceived to be his rights, — and these to the full : thus the great body of his parishioners, and 
he, were at an early period in complete antagonism. " This wrought upon his warm temper," observes a 
contemporary, "and caused him to fly to the Ecclesiastical Courts for redress, which proved his ruin. He 
brought actions against a great number of his parishioners, many of whom were of the poorer class, 
which alarmed and aroused their superiors, and induced them to form a general association through the 
parish, for mutual protection and defence. These inconsiderate proceedings brought upon him, as well 
as on several of his parishioners, long and tedious, as well as expensive and troublesome contests, which 
lasted ten years, and were only terminated by his death, which no doubt had heen greatly accelerated, if 
not occasioned, by grief and distress of mind, as he died insolvent, being much in debt to all his friends 
who could or would assist him. His proctor, after his death, took out letters of administration, sold all 
his effects, and paid six shillings in the pound to his creditors." " Mr. Kay rebuilt the greater part of 
the vicarage house, and greatly improved the garden and grounds." He died 16th January, 1793, aged 
47 years, — having been twelve years vicar. He was a popular preacher, — possessing a fine voice, and a 
commanding person. His doctrinal views were highly Calvinistic. 



iomxmmte nnb ^piiapjis. 



Only a few marble monuments have been erected in this church, all of which 
are modern. Some of the inscriptions on the floor of the chancel are of an older 
date. 

On the floor of the chancel : — 

" Here lyeth the Body of Mr. Joseph Briggs, who was Vicar of this church 65 years, departed this 
life ye 25th day of July, A.D. 1727, in the 89th year of his age. Here also lyeth the body of Mrs. 
Frances Wells, daughter of the above named Mr. Briggs, who departed this life ye 10th of September, 
1748, in the 74th year of her age. 

William, sonne of Joseph Briggs, Vicar, was here interred March 25th, 1668. 

Here lyeth the body of Richard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, gent., who departed this life the 12th day 
of December, 1668. jEtatis suae 56. 

Mary Horsfall, late wife of Richard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, gent., and daughter of John Lewys, of 
Marr, Esq., who dyed 20th of September, 1641. iEtatis suae, 56. 

William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, gent., who was interred here ye 8th of February, 1711. He 
died aged 77 years. 

Elizabeth, daughter of William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, gent., who departed this life ye 17th of 
December, 1678. vEt. suae, 19. 

John Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, gent., her brother, who departed this life ye 8th day July, A.D. 1722. 
Mi. 62. 



fmrislj €bmtb ai lurtott. 71 

QUO <— ' 

Elizabeth, wife of Jonas Kaye, of Milshaw, gent., who departed this life ye day of May, 1701, 
in ye year of her age. 

Infra jacet Jonas Kaye de Milshaw, gent., qui obiit, Anno Dom : 1723, iEt., 82. John Kaye, gent., 
only son of the aforesaid Jonas Kaye, was buried here Sept. 1st, 1745, in the 34 year of his age. 

Beneath are deposited the remains of the Rev. Benjamin Kay, late vicar of this parish : he died 
the 16th January, 1793, aged 47 years. 

Anne, wife of William Newton, of Stagwood Hill, who departed this life 10th July, 1812, aged 62 
years. Lydia, daughter of the said William Newton, who departed this life llth March, 1817, aged 
48 years. 

Marble Monument : 

Sacred to the memory of William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, Esq., who died the 2nd August, 1780, 
in the 55 year of his age. He was descended in direct line from Captain Richard Horsfall, who took an 
active part with the Royalists in the Grand Rebellion, in the reign of King Charles the first, against the 
Rebel Army. He married Elizabeth, the daughter of William Beckwith, of Thurcroft, in this county, 
Esquire, by whom he had issue Ingram, his son, who died 17th November, 1770, in the 11 year of his 
age, and five daughters, viz. : Dorothy, Elizabeth, Anne, Grace married to George Sutton, of Stockton, 
Esquire, and Frances. 

On another : 

To the memory of Elizabeth Horsfall, relict of William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, Esquire, who died 
the 21st of April, 1793, in the 72 year of her age. 

Another Marble Monument : 

This monument is erected in remembrance of Dorothy, the wife of Robert Bill, Esquire, and eldest 
daughter of the late William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, in this parish, Esquire. She departed this life 
the 16th day of May, 1792, in the 42 year of her age. 

Marble Tablet in the north choir : 

In memory of James Armitage, late of Dedmanstone, son of the late Joseph Armitage, of Alverthorp 
Hall, near Wakefield, who died at Almondbury, July 8th, 1811, aged 40 years. Also of Anne, daughter 
of the late Rev. William Mountjoy, formerly vicar of }his parish, and widow of the above James 
Armitage, who departed this life July 23rd, 1853, aged 84 years. Also William, their son, who died in 
his infancy, July 17th, 1810. Also of Jane, daughter of James and Anne Armitage, who died June 3rd, 
1821, aged 16 years. 

In the Middle Aisle, on the floor : 

Here was interred the body of Mary, wife of the Rev. Mr. John Hardy, who died the 18th of June, 
1754, aged 63 years. Also, near this place, was interred the body of the Rev. Mr. John Hardy, who 
died ye 20th September, 1756, aged 66. 

Here lyeth the body of Thomas Wilson, the beloved son of Luke Wilson, of Mytham Bridge, who 
departed this life the 16th day of February, in the 23rd year of his age, A.D., 1711-2. 

Joseph Wainwright, of Shepley, who died the 2nd day of December, in the 80th year of his age, in 
the year 1761. Sarah, the wife of Joseph Wainwright, of Shepley, died October 25th, and was buried 
here ye 28th, 1758, aged 69. 

Wplliam] S[mith,] vicar Kirkburton, who died April ye 1615. 



72 f^rislj Cljmrdj of gurimt. 

On the floor of the south aisle : 

Edmund Ellis, late of Smythe-place, departed this life the 20th day of May, 1712, in the 73rd year 
of his age. 

John Tyas, of Scholes, who departed this life the 29th October, 1755, aged 77 years. 

Christopher Cookson, of Newmill, aged 60 years, 1803. 

Joseph Green, of Oxlee, in Hepworth, departed this life the 26th October, 1754, aged 36 years. 
Also Martha Green, of Drake House, near Sheffield, daughter of the aforesaid Joseph Green, who died 
the 21st of May, 1806, in the 58th year of her age. 

In the church yard : 

Frances, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Wm. Mountjoy, vicar of this parish, buried February 24th, 1777, 
aged 4 years. Also the said Rev. Mr. William Mountjoy, buried September 9th, 1778, aged 47 years. 
Jane, wife of the Rev. William Mountjoy, died April 5th, 1807, aged 78 years. Also Jane, their eldest 
daughter, buried November 1st, 1795, aged 31 years. 

Sarah, Wife of Jonas Hobson, of Wooldale, died 12th of March, 171 — , aged 33 years. Jonas Hobson 
died December 22nd, 1768, aged 59 years. John, his son, died February 25th, 1781, aged 43 years. 

Joseph Heap, of Hepworth, buried June 29th, 1778, aged 59 years. Jonas, his son, died February 
25th, 1824, aged 52 years. 

Ebenezer Tinker, of Hepworth, died May 19th, 1765, aged 39 years. Uriah Tinker, of Hepworth, 
died March 14th, 1795, aged 78 years. 

John, the son of Abel Tinker, of Shelley, died July 9th, 1828, aged 40 years. 

Martha, wife of Joseph Bottomley, buried 25th July, 1760, aged 42 years. Joseph, their son, buried 
July 13th, 1784, aged 22 years. Joseph Bottomley died July 14th, 1791, aged 73 years. 

Martha, wife of John Bottomley, died December 30th, 1806, aged 46 years. John Bottomley, of 
Shelley Hall, died November 21st, 1832, aged 80 years. 

Joshua, son of Jonas Newton, of Holstage, died September 8th, 1753, aged 12 years. Jonas Newton 
died February 25th, 1755, aged 68 years. Esther, wife of Jonas Newton, died June 28th, 1770, aged 
61 years. 

John Newton died February 6th, 1824, aged 82 years. John, his son, died October 10th, 1798, 
aged 25 years. 

Here lyeth interred the body of Elias, son of George Hollinworth, of Wooldale-Townend, he was late 
gamekeeper to his Grace the Duke of Leeds. He departed this life 28th day of September, in the 36th 
year of his age, A.D., 1 709. 

" One, humble, meek, and patient here doth lye, 
Who hunting loved and feared not to dye." 

Hannah, wife of Samuel Roberts, of Hillhouse, in Cartworth, died June 13th, 1749, aged 38 years. 

Elizabeth, wife of John Tinker, of Shepley Carr, died June 3rd, 1772, aged 63 years. John Tinker 
died April 12th, 1794, aged 84 years. 

John Tinker, of Shepley Carr, died March 23rd, 1820, aged 72 years. Martha, wife of John Tinker, 
died February 6th, 1830, aged 69 years, 

John McGowan, surgeon, of Skelmanthorpe, died December 7th, 1828, aged 38 years. 

Ann, wife of John Womersley, of Totties, died September 21st, 1788, aged 81 years. 

Edward Wortley, of Shepley, yeoman, was buried January 4th, A.D., 1665. 

Joseph Hardcastle, schoolmaster of this town, died May 4th, 1796, aged 57 years. 



Mary, wife of John Taylor, of this town, died April 11th, 1789, aged 88 years. John Taylor died 
April 17th, 1797, aged 95 years. 

William Booth Gartside, of Smithy-Place, died December 24th, 1820, aged 35 years. 

James Hinchliff, of Upper Green-hill,-bank, died November 11th, 1812, aged 69 years. Sarah, his 
wife, died Nov. 19th, 1835, aged 88 years. 

George Smith, of Newhouse, buried September 4th, 1824, aged 54 years. 

Thomas Hardy, of Birksgate, son of the late Rev. John Hardy, formerly curate of this parish, died 
March 15th, 1777, aged 54 years. Martha, wife of the said Thomas Hardy, died March 6th, 1795, 
aged 67 years. Thomas Hardy, son of the said Thomas and Martha, died February 21st, 1836, aged 
88 years. Thomas Hardy, of Birksgate, died May 3rd, 1849, aged 74 years. 

Benjamin Stocks, late of Woolrow, died May 17th, 1745, aged 66 years. Sarah, his wife, died April 
20th, 1751, aged 71 years. 

Mary Beever, of Scholes, died July 1st, 1765, aged 91 years. 

Samuel Beever, late of Castle Hall, near Penistone, died December 21st, 1776, aged 73 years. 
Mary, wife of Samuel Beever, died January 5th, 1778, aged 73 years. 

Ann, wife of Abraham Earnshaw, of Thongs-Bridge, died January 26th, 1785, aged 39 years. 
Abraham Earnshaw, died May 21st, 1805, aged 73 years. 

Samuel Earnshaw, of Thongs-Bridge, died July 27th, 1805, aged 42 years. Elizabeth, his wife, 
died June 3rd, 1 802, aged 42 years. 

Matthew, son Jonathan Nobles, of Marsh Hall, in Thurstonland, died August 2nd, 1789, aged 
23 years. 

Rebecca, wife of Richard Matthewman, of Shepley, and daughter of Richard Street, late of Langsett, 
buried here August 12th, 1737, aged 82 years. Richard Matthewman, of Shepley, was buried Sep- 
tember 8th, 1740, aged 76 years. Richard Matthewman, of Shepley, son of the above, died September 
30th, 1766, aged 71 years. 

Thomas Matthewman, Esq., formerly of Wakefield, and late of Leeds, cousin to the late Mr. Richard 
Matthewman, of Clifftop House, in Shepley, died May 8th, 1810, aged 73 years. Ann, his wife, died at 
Wakefield April 19th, 1807, aged 72 years. 

Sarah, wife of John Archer, of Heymorhouse, died February 20th, 1748, aged 49 years. Joseph 
Archer, of Cowcliff, son of the above, died May 3rd, 1816, aged 93 years. 

George Smith, of Newhouse, died September 4th, 1824, aged 54 years. 

Mary, wife of John Sedgwick, of Thurstonland, died August 2nd, 1794, aged 60 years. James, his 
son, died March 21st, 1801, aged 30 years. John Sedgwick died December 12th, 1808, aged 67 years. 

John Gill, of Blackhouse, died June 20th, 1761, aged 64 years. Thomas, his son, died July 4th, 
1766, aged 39 years. Bridget, the latter wife of the said John Gill, died August 13th, 1784, aged 91 
years. Richard, son of John Gill, died 24th February, 1809, aged 74 years. 

Joseph Nobles, of Causeway-foot, died February 15th, 1754, aged 50 years Mary, his wife, died 
March 11th, 1798, aged 86 years. 

Thomas Firth, of Shepley, died July 2nd, 1702, aged 71 years. Martha, his wife, died April 5th, 
1723, aged 69 years. Thomas, son of the said Thomas and Martha Firth, died May 1st, 1710, aged 
23 years. Rebecca, daughter of the said Thomas and Martha Firth, died May 31st, 1767, aged 81 
years. 

K 



74 |)arisjj Clxtnrrjr rjf ^mian, 

John Firth died July 2nd, 1732, aged 71 years. Sarah, his wife, died August 11th, 1772, aged 
81 years. 

Mary Ann, Wife of James Binns, of Burton, died November 9th, 1833, aged 60 years. James Binns, 
died January 28th, 1860, aged 68 years. 

Thomas Kenyon, of Dogley Mill, died September 10th, 1835, aged 65 years. Sarah, his wife, died 
September 23rd, 1847, aged 82 years. 

Robert Beeley, of this town, died May 21st, 1845, aged 84 years. Martha, his wife, died May 25th, 
1845, aged 74 years. 

Martha, wife of George Hey, of Newhouse, in Kirkburton, died May 17th, 1845, aged 76 years. 
George Hey, died February 6th, 1858, aged 88 years. 

William Child, of Brookhouse, in Shelley, died May 7th, 1848, aged 49 years. 

John Batty, of Scholes, died May 18th, 1748, aged 53 years. 

Benjamin Cocker, of Highburton, died April 25th, 1842, aged 70 years. 

Thomas Littlewood, of Damhouse, in Cartworth, died May 13th, 1759, aged 76 years. Elizabeth, 
his wife, died May 20th, 1773, aged 90 years. 

In quitting these sacred precints, we may here remark that about a century ago, 
there was to be seen in the clerk's house, at a short distance from the church, the 
following lines, which have now disappeared, but which will not inappropriately 
conclude this part of our subject. — 

" I wyll tomorrow, yea that I wyll, 

I wyll be sure to do it : 
To-morrow comes, to-morrow goes 

And yet you are to do it. 
And so Repentance is deferred 

From one day to another, 
Until the day of Death itself doth come, 

And Judgment is the other. 

I am indebted to the kindness of the Kev. Joseph Hunter, F.S.A., of London, for a copy of these lines, which he 
transcribed from the MSS. of the late Mr. Wilson, of Broomhead, an industrious collector and antiquary, who saw them 
on the clerk's house, at Kirkburton, in 1760. To Mr. Hunter I am also indebted for discovering whence these lines are 
borrowed. For, as he justly observes, "I always thought them above the reach of the rustic muse of Kirkburton. They 
are taken from Draxelius' Considerations of Eternity, in E. Winterton's translation, originally printed in 1632, the work 
became popular and passed through several editions." 



©ohmsbrp of Ditrtcn otkrtxrtse flrrkfrurton. 



In Domesday Book "Bertone" is surveyed as a member of the Soke of 
"Wakefield, consisting of three carucates. It was then part of the Terra Regis, 
and returned as waste. When this great fee was granted to Earl Warren, 
Burton was soon after given to one of his retainers, who took the surname of 
Burton, or " de Birton." The family were of considerable importance here; 
Dr. Whitaker states, " they may be traced as Lords of this Manor, to the highest 
period of local names." The name frequently occurs in charter evidences, 
either as principals or as witnesses. 

A Nicholas de Birton was a witness to a charter in the 6 Edward I., [1277,] 
wherein Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, confirms certain privileges to the 
burgesses of Pontefract.* 

We find that the early lords of Burton were also lords of Gunthwaite, which 
they had acquired, probably in the reign of Henry III., or not later . than 
Edward I. ; but not long after this it appears to have vested again in the de 
Gunthwaites; for in 1359 John de Gunthwaite gave to Thomas Bossvile de 
Erdesley and his heirs, his estate and Manor of Gunthwaite. In these trans- 
actions of the Burtons with the Gunthwaites, we have Nicholas de Byrton, 
Henry de Byrton, his son, who had Roger de Byrton. f 

This Nicholas de Byrton was a person of some consequence, as he appears to 
have held the office of seneschal, or steward, of Blackbumshire, under Henry de 
Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. Henry de Birton appears as a witness to a deed, without 
date, from Matthew de Oxspring to Roger del Hyde, about the reign of Henry 
III., or Edward 14 

Elias de Byrton appears as a witness to a charter, bearing date 1284, from 
John de Carlton to Elias de Midhope.|| This Elias de Byrton was probably 
nephew to Sir Elias de Midhope. § 

* Boothroyd's History of Pontefract. 

t Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 344. + Id. vol. ii., p. 354. || Id. vol. ii., p. 358. 

§ " Elias de Midhope had two sisters not named in the genealogy. They married, one the Lord of Thurgoland, the 
other the Lord of Burton, (Kirkburton,) in the Wapentake of Agbrig. On the death of Elias John de Thurgoland, son 
of the one, and William de Burton, grandson to the other, claimed to be heirs of Elias de Midhope, on the ground that 

k2 



76 Cuforcsljij? oi §jmtim. 



There was a William de Burton in 1304, presented to the Rectory of High 
Hoyland, of the first mediety, by Sir Thomas de Burgh.* The name also of 
William de Burton appears in several charters connected with this parish, from 
Edward I's. reign to 1335. 

In the 32 Edward III., [1359,] Elias de Burton, Lord of Burton, and John de 
Dronfield, Lord of West Bretton, obtain a royal license, that they might give the 
Advowson of the church of Penistone to the Dean and College of the Free 
Chapel of St. Stephens, Westminster, f 

In the 8 Henry IV., [1406,] "Elias de Byrton Armiger" occurs as a witness 
to a charter. A John de Birton occurs also as a witness to a charter, dated 
24 Henry VI., [1445,] and again in a charter dated 27 Henry VL, [1448]. 

In 1455, Thomas Burton gave his daughter, Isabel, with certain lands, in 
marriage to Edmund Kaye, of Woodsome, Esq., by whom he had issue Nicholas 
Kaye, of Woodsome, Esq., who dying S.P., the estate ascended to his uncle 
George, an ancester of the late Sir John Kaye, bart. But Thomas Burton had a 
son John, who had Robert, who had an only daughter, Joan. Robert dying in 
the 19 Henry VII., [1504,] the jurors found, inter alia, that he was seized of the 
Manor of Kirkburton and the Advowson of Chantry of St. Mary, in preste 
to that church, all which descended to Joan, his only child. 

This daughter, in the 18 Henry VII., married Thomas Triggott, of South 
Kirkby, and had issue, Robert Triggott, son and heir, whose grandson had issue 
three daughters, co-heiresses.$ 

his issue were illegitimate. The question came to a hearing, and of the pleadings we have an abstract by Dodsworth. 
It appears from them, that in 1252, Sir Elias had entered into a covenant to marry Maud, a daughter of Richard 
Gramary, (Grammaticus, a family who had considerable possessions along the line of the Aire,) but that marriage was never 
completed, and she became the wife of "Robert de Stapleton, of Thorp Stapleton, while Sir Elias married Mabilia, a 
daughter of Josceline de Swainsby. The marriage with Mabilia was contracted in the face of the church, and without 
any contradiction of the said Maud, or of any other person, and she lived fifteen years at Midhope as his wife, and there 
died in peace, and was buried in the parish church of the said Elias, at Ecclesfield. But eight years after the death of 
Mabilia, Robert de Stapleton being also dead, Maud perceiving, as the pleadings say, Elias de Midhope to be rich, came 
and challenged him for the conditional contract he had entered into with her. Elias replied that the contract was only 
conditional, and the conditions not having been fulfilled, the contract was null, when John D'Eyvile, of Adlingflete, the 
discontented baron, who was concerned in the burning of Sheffield, uncle to Maud, and other persons of her lineage, 
seized upon Elias, carried him to York, and there compelled him to marry her in the Chapel of St. James, without the 
walls, without sentence or judgment." 

" The determination upon this cause I have not seen," says Mr. Hunter, " but it may be presumed to have been in 
favour of the son, as he succeeded to the inheritance, as did his posterity after him. There is a quit-claim in 1329, from 
John de Thurgoland, of all the lands which were Elias de Midhope's, which may be connected with this transaction." 
Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 364. 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 364. + Id. vol. ii. p. 336. 

i Whitaker's Loidis et Elmctc. 



©.crfottsbrj? oi "jjfymtmi. 



77 



The following pedigree more fully explains the descent. 



PEDIGEEE OE TEIGGOTT, OE SOUTH KIBKBY AND OF BUETON.* 

Arms : Argent, a chevron between three cross crosslets fitchee, sable. Crest : a lion's head or, 
devouring a child proper. 



Thomas Triggott, of South Kirkby and of Kirkburton, jure Ux.; 



Joan, daughter and heir of Robert, son of John, sou of Elias 
de Burton: her mother, Joan, was a daughter of William 
Simmes, of Barnsley. by Margaret daughter and co-heir of 
Thomas Bosvile, of Edderthorp. 



I 



Robert Triggott, son and heir — : — Jane, daughter of Sir John Wentworth, of Emsal. 



I 
Isabel, 1st wife ,=Bartholomew Triggott, of South= 



daughter of— 
Anne, of Frek- 
ley, Esq. 



Kirkby, Esq., son and heir, living 
there in 1585 ; will dated 6th Aug., 
1595, proved 28th Jan., 15A5-6 ; 
died 12th Aug., 1595, aged 70, 
buried at South Kirkby. 



=Lucy, 2nd wife, daugh- 
ter and heir of Ed. 
Booth, of Cranswick, 
buried 19th March, 
1627. 



I I 

Thurstan had 

a son, named 

Stephen. 
Anthony, s.p. 



William, 4th son, 

was married. 
Johu, died young. 



Dorothy. 
Alice 
Frances 
Elizabeth 



I I I I 

Frances and Joan died 

young. 
Catherine married Thomas 

Holgate, of Stapleton. 
Jane married Thomas 

Candy, of Brayton. 



Ann, 1st wife dau-=Thoinas Triggott, of South=Elizabeth, 2nd wife, daughter of John Digby, of 



ghter of Thos 
Reresby, of 
Therebergh, 
Esq. 



Kirkby, Esq., son and 
hen, 1585, was buried 
in the church of Kirkby, 
20th Aug., 1033. 



Mansfield- Woodhouse, Esq. 



Ann Triggott, eldest 
daughter & co-heir, 
married Thomas 
Thornhill, ot'Fixby, 
in the parish of 
Halifax, Esq. 



John Moseley, of=Elizabeth Triggott, 

York, Esq., died 2nd daughter and 

1624, buried in co-heir, died 1640, 

the church of aged 50, and was 

St. John, Ouse- buried with her 

bridge End, husband. 
Yoik. 



Lucy Triggott, y. d,, 
married at Mans- 
field, 13th Septem., 
1624. Sir John 
Digby, of Mans- 
rield-Woodhouse, 
brother to Elizabeth 
above. 



John Moseley, an alderman of York, married Elizabeth, daughter, and one of 
the co-heiresses of the last Thomas Triggott, to whom, in a partition of the 
estate, the Manor of Burton was allotted; they had issue, Margaret and Ann, 
also co-heiresses. The former married Sir John Kaye, of "Woodsome, the first 
Baronet, by whom he acquired the manor and estates of Burton. He died in 
1662, and was succeeded by his eldest son Sir John Kaye, the second Baronet, 
aged 24 in 1665. He married Anne, daughter of William Lister, of Thornton, 
in Craven, in the county of York, Esq., and sister and sole heir of Christopher 
Lister, of the same place, Esq., by whom he had issue — 1st, Sir Arthur Kaye, his 
successor ; 2nd, George Kaye, of Grange, sometimes called Denby-Grange, in the 
parish of Kirkheaton, Esq., and other children. Sir John Kaye was many years 
M.P. for the county of York. He died in 1706. 



* Erom Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 447. 



Colxmsljijj xrf §urfoit. 



To his son, George Kaye, of Grange, Esq., among other estates, he gave the 
Manor of Burton. The said George Kaye married Dorothy, daughter of Robert 
Savile, of Bryam-Royd, near Elland, Esq., and had issue, John Kaye. He died 

1707. His widow afterwards married Walmersley, of Dalton, Gentleman. 

She died in 1726. John Kaye, of Grange, Esq., succeeded his father in his 
estates, and on the death of Sir Arthur Kaye, his uncle, the 3rd Baronet, without 
male issue the Baronetcy devolved upon him. On the death, also, of his uncle, 
Thomas Lister, Esq., without issue, who constituted him his heir, he took the 
name of Lister in addition to that of Kaye, and became Sir John Lister 
Kaye, of Grange, 4th Baronet. He married Ellen, only daughter of John 
Wilkinson, of Greenhead, in the parish of Huddersfield, Esq., who died 
January 29th, 1729, by whom he had issue John Lister Kaye, his Successor. 
To his second wife he married Dorothy, eldest daughter of Richard Richardson, 
of Bierley, near Bradford, Esq., by whom he had issue; 1st, Lister, died an 
infant ; 2nd, Richard, of whom we mention hereafter ; 3rd, Christopher, died an 
infant ; 4th, Dorothy, wife of Robert Chaloner, of Bishop Auckland, county 
of Durham, Esq. ; 5th, Catherine, died young ; 6th, Miles, died an infant ; 
and 7th, Margaret. 

Sir John Lister Kaye, was sometime M.P. for the city of York. He died April 
5th, 1752, aged 55 years, and was succeeded by his eldest son Sir John Lister 
Kaye, the 6th Baronet, who was born July 7th, 1725. He served the office of 
High Sheriff of the county of York in 1761, and died November 27th, 1789, 
without issue. He was succeeded in the Baronetcy by his half-brother, the Rev. 
Richard Kaye, LL.D., Dean of Lincoln, prebend of Southwell, &c, the 6th 
Baronet, who died without issue 25th December, 1809, when the Baronetcy 
created in 1641, became extinct. 

Sir John Kaye, the 5th Baronet, dying without issue, devised the Manor of 
Burton and the rest of his estates to John Lister Lister Kaye, Esq., of Grange, 
who married October 18th, 1800, Lady Amelia Grey, 6th daughter of George 
Henry Grey, Earl of Stamford and Warrington, by whom he had issue. In 1812 
he was advanced to the dignity of a Baronetcy. 

Sir John Lister Lister Kaye, about the year 1827, sold the Burton estate in 
small lots. The manor and a small portion of the estate were purchased by the 
late Mr. Tedbar Tinker, of Shelley, and Mr. Nathaniel Sykes, in whose heirs it 
now vests. 



£b0foitsjnp of ^mtan. * 79 



Burton Hall, 

The ancient seat of the lords of Burton — until the family of that name finally 
merged into that of Triggott, who had their residence at South Kirkby — was 
situated in the hamlet of Highburton, on the verge of the hill to the west, and 
on the north-east side of the Burton valley. The ascent is steep, and the situa- 
tion high and exposed, but commanding a fine view of the valley beneath, in 
which Storthes Hall, with its richly wooded grounds, forms a striking and 
prominent object. The designation of Hall, has almost ceased to be applied to 
the humble edifice which now occupies this site. 

There appears to have been attached to the Hall, a small domestic chapel of 
pointed gothic architecture, the greatest part of which was taken down about 
twenty-five years ago. It is difficult to conjecture the cause of its erection so 
near to the parish church. It must have existed before the Reformation, as it is 
apparent that the owners of the estate did not reside here after that period. 

Burton Cross. 

In the small hamlet of Highburton stands an ancient cross, the precise object 
of which has not perhaps been clearly understood by the inhabitants, but the 
preservation of this ancient relic from the wasting hand of time, appears to have 
been always an object of their special care. 

It is certain that Burton was, in the time of the Plantagenets, a Market Town; 
it seems probable that it had been so from a still more remote period, but whether 
it originated by charter, or by prescription, is unknown. From the fact of the 
cross being placed in Highburton, there can be little doubt that the markets were 
held there. 

In the Court Eolls of the Manor of Wakefield, in the 26 and 27, Edward III., 
[1352,] 24th January, under " Holne," it is stated that the tolls of Burton 
market were let for 26s. 8d. 

Not the least curious circumstance connected with this market, is, that the 
tolls would seem to have belonged to the Chief Lord of the Fee, and not to the 
mesne lords — the de Burtons. 

Here resided about two centuries ago, a family named Roebuck, who were 
usually described as of Highburton Cross. They continued to reside here through 
several generations. The last of the name was Thomas Roebuck, who left an 

only child — a daughter, who married to Wood, of Monk Bretton, near 

Barnsley, whose grandson was Sir George Wood, knight, one of the barons of 
the exchequer, who died in 1823, at an advanced age. 



80 &0lxm;sln|j of jiurtmi. 



Yew Teee. 

This ancient homestead was, for upwards of three hundred years, the property and 
residence of a family named Mokeson, of the class usually styled " Yeomen." 
John Mokeson, the last possessor, sold the estate to B. Haigh Allen, of Greenhead, 
Esq., in whose heirs it still remains. There is a singular record of this family, 
viz. — that the said John Mokeson, and Olive, his wife, daughter of Joshua 
Senior, of Shelley, had thirty children, of whom, however, only four arrived at 
the adult age. 

Riley. 

Riley is now a small hamlet, on the road from Burton to Thunder- 
Bridge. There is nothing to recommend it to notice except that at a remote 
period, its owner, who resided here, received his surname from it. The name 
appears among the witnesses to ancient charters, viz. — a " John de Rylay," 
appears in a charter without date; and a "John de Rylay" appears also as a 
witness to a charter dated 16, Edward I., [1298,] probably the same person. 
A " William de Rylay," occurs in another dated 1319. 

Independent Chapel, Dogley-Lane. 

This chapel was built in 1816, but has since been considerably enlarged, and 
galleries erected. It is warmed by an efficient apparatus. An organ was added 
in 1853. 

In connexion with the chapel are school-rooms, built in 1832. The chapel, 
schools, and parsonage, have recently been fitted-up with gas, &c, at the cost of 
£100, which sum was liquidated by congregational collections. 

The church was formed December 25th, 1816, and as no minister had then 
settled, the Rev. John Cockin, of Holmfirth, at the request of the friends, pre- 
sided at the meeting. 

The first minister, — the Rev. William Lees, commenced his labours January 2nd, 
1820, and remained until his death. His remains are interred within the chapel, 
and a tablet erected to his memory. 

The second minister, — the Rev. George Ryan, commenced his labours March 
11th, 1832, and resigned the pastorate March 10th, 1837. 

The third minister, — the Rev. William Baines, entered on his office May 3rd, 
1840, and died November 28th, 1840, only a pastorate of a few months. 

The fourth pastor, — the Rev. John Hughes, commenced his labours here 
January 1st, 1842, and died February 14th, 1849, and was interred inside the 
chapel. 



Cohms^ip of §uri0it. 81 



The fifth pastor, — the Rev. William Inman, commenced first Sabbath in 
November, 1850, and resigned the charge September 2nd, 1858. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Joseph Oddy, the present minister, to whom I am indebted 
for the information here given. 

There is no endowment or grant to the chapel, and the minister is wholly sup- 
ported by the congregation. 

The chapel has been duly licensed for marriages. 

Registers of baptisms from 1816. 

Iftomtmmtal Jfnsmpfbns. 
In the chapel are marble tablets which record as follows : 

To the Memory of the Rev. William Lees, who discharged the pastoral duties of this church nearly 
twelve years, with seriousness, fidelity, and zeal ; and who, in the vigour of his age, and of his useful- 
ness, was suddenly called to enter into the joy of his Lord. He died August 13th, 1831, in the 46th 
year of his age, greatly lamented, as he had been beloved by his own people, and by all. who knew him, 
for his christian spirit, and consistent deportment. 

Sacred to the memory of Paul, the son of Joah and Rachel Sugden, of Woodsome Lees, who departed 
this life February 18th, 1821, aged 18 years. Also, of the above Joah Sugden, who died August 9th, 
1845, aged 63 years. He was a faithful office bearer in the church of Christ for 38 years; one of the 
chief promoters of the building of this chapel, and continued its firm friend unto death. Also, of the 
above Rachel Sugden, who died December 24th, 1850, aged 72 years. 

Sacred to the Memory of Ann, the wife of Joseph Turner, Woolstapler, of Huddersfield, and daughter 
of Joah and Rachel Sugden, of Woodsome Lees. She died June 10th, 1832, aged 24 years. 

In Memory of the Rev. John Hughes, who died February 14th, 1849, in the 39th year of his age, 
and the 8th year of his ministry. His remains lie interred beneath this chapel. As a minister and 
pastor, he was earnest, affectionate, and faithful. This monument is erected by the church and congre- 
gation as a testimony of their high regard and mournful remembrance. 

In the grave-yard is a very handsome monument, with broken column and 
wreath — on one slab : 

In affectionate remembrance of Wright Rhodes, of Spring-Field, who died March 8th, 1859, aged 
65 years. 

On a second slab : 

In Memory of John, eldest son of Wright and Sarah Rhodes, who died November 5th, 1 846, aged 
21 years. Also, of Franklin, their fifth son, who died October 4th, 1852, aged 15 years. 

Wesletan Methodist Chapel, Kiee:btjeton. 
In 1816, the Wesleyan Methodists of this district erected a chapel at Burton, 
which at length becoming too small a new site was chosen, and a neat and 



82 Cciuns^ of §urt0it. 



commodious chapel was erected in 1845, which was opened for religious worship 
in 1846, when their former chapel was sold. Spacious schoolrooms were erected 
in 1848, to accommodate 300 scholars. The entire cost of the chapel and 
school premises amounted to £1650, exclusive of an excellent-toned organ, given 
by Mrs. Cocker, of Highburton, in 1859. 

Primitive Methodist Chapel. 

This chapel is situate in Highburton, and was built in 1832, at a cost of about 
£100, and is calculated to hold about 100 persons. 

KlEKBUETON SCHOOL. 

This school was established in the year 1714, as appears from the following 
inscription, on an old stone tablet, removed from the front of the original 
schoolroom and retained in the present schoolroom. 

"This school, built A.D. 1714, at the charge of the inhabitants; it was first endowed with £100, 
being the free gift of Mr. Henry Robinson, of Leeds, clerk ; with £20 given by Mr. John Horsfall, of 
Storz Hall, gentleman ; and was afterwards endowed by the said Mr. Horsfall's noble legacy in his 
last will, with £400 ; all which sums are to purchase lands and tenements, for the better maintenance of 
the schoolmaster, and for poor children learning in Thurstonland and Kirkburton. 

Da dum tempus habes, Tibi propria sit manus 
Hoeres auferet hoc nemo, quod dabis ipse Deo." 

The above benefactions and legacy were laid out in the purchase of real estates, 
with the exception of the sum of £42 2s. 6d., which was placed on mortgage 
of the tolls of the Huddersfield and Penistone turnpike road, but was recalled about 
15 years ago, to help to liquidate the expenses incurred in building a large and 
commodious schoolroom, the original schoolroom being very small and incon- 
venient, and very much dilapidated, and thus unfit for the purposes of education. 

The trustees for the time being are the Yicar of Kirkburton, and the heirs of 
Richard Horsfall, Esq., and the heirs of Robert Rockley, Esq. The Vicar of 
Kirkburton, the Rector of Kirkheaton, and the Rector of Elmley, are the electors 
of the schoolmaster. 

The real estates which were purchased consist of — a farm house, outbuildings, 
and about 20 acres of land, at Holme, in the parish of Almonbury, and let to 
John Hadfield, for £26 a year — a house and about six acres of land, in the 
township of Cartworth, let to Benjamin Green for £10 10s. a year — a house in 
Wakefield, usually called the Old Corn Exchange, let in offices, and which 
produces about £30 a year net — and a small portion of land, situate in Kirkburton, 
and let as a garden to George Jenkinson for £1 a year. 



Cnfonsljip ai ^mtan. 83 



These, together with the schoolmaster's house and premises, comprise the 
property of the school. 

The master of the school occupies the school premises, and receives the 
emoluments derived from the property after deducting the necessary expenses for 
keeping the several buildings and estates in proper repair. He teaches twenty 
poor children of Kirkburton, and ten of Thurstonland, gratis, by agreement with 
the trustees. Twenty of these free scholars are provided with 2f yards of linen 
for clothing, on St. Thomas' Day, in every year. 

BENEFACTIONS. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Catharine Farmer, of Leasingham, near Sleaford, in Lincolnshire, who died the 2nd of 
September, 1847, bequeathed " to the vicar of the parish of Kirkburton, in Yorkshire, which benefice 
my late dear father held, the sum of one hundred pounds, to be by him applied to some charitable purpose, 
in his discretion, for the permanent benefit of the poor of that parish." 

Mrs. Farmer's legacy has been laid out by the vicar in the purchase of govern- 
ment consolidated three per cent, annuities. 

Mr. James Booth, of Lockwood, formerly of Lane-head, in Burton, by his will dated the 8th day of 
October, 1852, bequeathed " the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, the remainder of the said trust 
money, to apply and appropriate the same to and for the poor of the township of Kirkburton, in the said 
county of York. And I direct that the said sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, shall be and remain 
invested in the names of the vicar, churchwardens, and overseers, for the time being, of the parish of 
Kirkburton aforesaid, in government, or other good security ; and that the dividends, interest, or annual 
proceeds thereof, shall be for ever hereafter paid and applied by the vicar, churchwardens, and overseers, 
for the time being, of the said parish, at their discretion, for the maintenance, relief, or comfort, of the 
poor people of the said township of Kirkburton." 

The above sum is invested in the Huddersfield Water Works, and pays interest 
at three-and-a-half per cent. 

The enclosure of the Common Lands of this township took place 

in 1816, comprising 187 acres 

The ancient enclosure 1073 



Total 1260 



?> 



55 



L 2 



Cuhmsjrip 0f SljtUeg 



This township is surveyed in Domesday as a member of the Manor of Wakefield. 
" Scelneleie one carucate." It appears to have been granted off soon after the 
Norman Conquest, and to have given to its early lords their names of addition. 

The following copy of a charter, hitherto unpublished, conveying to the 
Monks of Roche Abbey certain lands, in Birchworth, a neighbouring township, 
exhibits a proof of the good will to the church, of one of the early lords of this 
subenfeudation. The charter is without date, but was probably executed early in 
the reign of Henry III., and is remarkable for comprising in the grant some of 
the tenants. 

Sciant omnes presentes et futuri quod ego Henricus de Sehellaya, Alius Roberti, dedi concessi et hac 
carta mea confirmavi pro salute animi, mei et omnium antecessorum et heredum meorum. Abbati et 
Monachis Sanctae Mariae de Rupe homagium et servicium Johannis, filii Roberti del Ker, quas mihi debuit et 
heredibus meis vel assignatis pro duabus bovatis terrse, cum pertinenciis in Bircheworth, et homagium, 
et servicium Johannis, filii Adami quas mihi debuit, et heredibus meis et assignatis pro una bovata terras, 
cum pertinenciis in eadem villa, et duas bovatas terras, cum pertinenciis quas Ricardus et Jona tenuerunt 
de me in eadem villa, et ipsos Ricardum et Jonam cum tota sequela sua, et ipsos Ricardum et Adamum 
cum tota sequela sua, et unam bovatam terras cum pertinenciis quam Gilbertus capellanus tenuit de me 
in eadem villa, et unam essartam cum pertinenciis in predicta villa que vocatur Wetelaya, tenenda et 
habenda in perpetuam elemosinam liberam, et quietam ab omni servicio ad me et heredes meos pertinente 
salvo forenseco servicio, quantam pertinet ad unam carucatam terrse, unde novem carucatas faciunt feodum 
unius militis. Et ego et heredes mei waiTantizabimus totam supradicam terram, cum pertinenciis supradictis 
Abbati et Monachis de Rupe in perpetuum contra omnes. His testibus Dno Henrico persona de 
Rothell, Hugon de Urnethorp, tunc Senescallo de Pontefracto, Roberto de Stapleton, Henrico 
Walente, Roberto filio Ade, Thomas de Littel, Alano filio Roberti de Smecheton, Roberto filio Gilberti, 
Simone filio * * * , Alano filio Alani.* 

* This grant comprised not only lands, but the tenants or villeins, " cam tota sequela sua," with their progeny. This 
species of tenure is graphically described by Blackstone in his Commentaries. — "Under the Saxon government there 
were, as Sir William Temple speaks, a sort of people in downright servitude, used and employed in the most servile 
work; and belonging, both they, their children, and effects, to the lord of the soil, like the rest of the cattle or stock 
upon it." Vol. ii., bk. 2, c. G. " These villeins, belonging principally to lords of manors, were either villeins regardant, 
i.e., annexed to the manor or lands ; or else they were in gross, or at large, i.e., annexed to the person of the lord, and 
transferable by deed from one owner to another. They could not leave their lord without his permission; but if they ran 
away, or wore purloined from him, might be claimed and recovered by action, like beasts or other chattels. They held 



Cflfams{jip flf Skllcu-. 85 



By a charter -without date, Henry, the son of Robert de Scellay, granted to 
John Molendinario de Scellay, and to his heirs, &c, a bovate of land in the 
village and territory of Scellay, "in feudo et hereditate cum omnibus libertatibus 
communis," rendering fourpence yearly in two equal payments ; at the feast of 
St. Oswald, and at the feast of St. Martin, " pro omnibus secularibus serviciis, 
consuetudinibus et demandis excepto forenseco servicio." 

Among the Wortley evidences is a deed of the same " Henry, son of Robert 
de Shelvelay," who " quits claims to Adam de Wannervile, son of Adam, all 
right in the town of Kynneslay, belonging to the town of Hemsworth; and also 
all lands which I demanded against the aforesaid Adam, and Nichola mother of 
Adam, in the said town of Hemsworth, by writ of right in the court of the 
Lord Henri de Laci, Earl of Lincoln. This was in the latter part of 
Henry Ill's, reign."* 

By a charter, without date, but from the witnesses not later than Henry III., 
William Spinke, of Scheluelay "Wodlious, granted to Henry de Scheluelay, his 
lord, and to Robert, his son and their heirs, all his rights, &c, which he had of 
the gift of Wilham, his father, in the territory of Scheluelay. It is, therefore, 
evident that Henry had a son Robert, which Robert had also a son Henry, as we 
find by a charter, dated 27 Edward I., [1289,] when Henry de Scheluelay, and 
Margaret, his wife, received a grant from Robert de Barneby, to them and their 
issue, of the Manor of Scheluelay ; and in default of issue, to John de Scheluelay, 
his brother. The manor, there is little doubt, had been previously granted by 
Henry de Scheluelay, to Barneby for that purpose. This Henry de Scheluelay 
appears in several charters, without date, either as principal or as witness. 
The last mention I find of him is the 10 Edward II., [1316]. After this period 
he did not long survive, for in the 18 Edward II., [1324,] I find that John de 
Schellay was lord, who was living in 2 Edward III., [1337,] and then described 
as John, son of Henry de Schellay. 

But, contemporary with Henry de Schellay, was Elias de Schellay, who held 
lands in Schellay, and who had a son Robert. There was also a Peter de 

indeed, small portions of land by way of sustaining themselves and their families ; but it was at the mere will of the lord, 
who might dispossess them whenever he pleased ; and it was upon villein services, that is, to carry out dung, to hedge 
and ditch the lord's demesne, and any other the meanest offices." 

The state of servitude of these villeins was not absolute, like that of the negroes, for as Hallam, (Middle Ages, vol. i., 
p. 149,) observes, "it was only in respect of his lord, that the villein, at least in England, was without rights; he might 
inherit, purchase, sue in the courts of law, though as defendant in a real action or suit, wherein land was claimed, he 
might shelter himself under the plea of villeinage." 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 424. 



86 Ctffonsljijj jof SJttlleg. 



Schellay, "clericus." These names appear in charters, without dates, except 
in one instance, in 1316, respecting Robert, son of Elias de Schellay. 

There was, however, a Nicholas de Schellay, son of Nicholas, who, in his 
charter, dated 18 Edward II., [1324,] had for its witnesses John de Schellay, 
lord of Schellay, and John de Schellay the elder. There can be no doubt that 
this John de Schellay the elder was the brother of Henry de Schellay, as 
mentioned in the charter of 1298. 

I find that John de Schellay, lord of Schellay, was dead in the 17 Edward III., 
[1342,] leaving his son and heir, John de Schellay, a minor, and in ward of the 
chief lord, John, Earl "Warren and Stratherne, who, by his charter of that date, 
granted the said wardship to Sayer de Kendale, one of his attendants, together 
with the Manor of Schellay, which John de Schellay, the father, late held of him 
by knight's service, &c. John de Schellay the younger had issue, a daughter 

Katherine, apparently an only child, and who, it would seem, married 

Dodworth, of Dodworth, near Barnsley. 

The next piece of evidence I have found is a charter, dated 27 Henry VI., 
[1448,] wherein Thomas Goldthorp and William Stone, granted to Johanna, late 
wife of Robert Storriz, (Storthes,) land and tenements belonging to Thomas 
Dodworth, and Elizabeth his wife, in the Manor of Schellay ; out of which the 
said Johanna Storriz had to receive seven marks annually, in perpetuity, to her 
and the heirs of her body ; and in default of issue, to her right heirs. It would, 
therefore, appear that the estate had previously been vested in Goldthorp and 
Stone, in trust. It seems not improbable that Johanna was the sister of Thomas 
Dodworth.* But the following important genealogical facts, gathered from a 
charter, dated 1479, will somewhat elucidate this point : it recites that William 

Malett, of Normanton, Esq., heir by blood of John Malett, namely, son of , 

who was the son of Robert, who was the son of the said John, granted and 
confirmed to John Storthes, of Thurstonland, one of the heirs by blood of John 
de Schellay, namely, son of Thomas, who was brother of Henry, brother of 
Robert or Richard, sons of Johanna, who was the daughter of Katherine, the 
daughter of the said John de Schellay, the Manor of Schellay, with corn mill, 
lands, &c. ; also lands in Birton, Thurstonland, Shepley, and Cumberworth, 
which had been devised to the said John Malett and John Collerslay, chaplain, 
then deceased, by the last will of the said John Schellay, John Malett being the 

* To suppose that Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Dodworth, was the daughter of Katherine de Schellay, and sister to 
Johanna, is rendered improbable by the circumstance of the manor not being held jointly as co-hciresses. 



Cnfortsjrip xrf SjxelUg. 87 



surviving trustee; the said William Malett conveyed the same to Nicholas 
Burdett and John Savile, of Holynage, in trust for the use or benefit of the said 
John Storthes, his heirs and assigns. 

By another charter, dated 2 Richard III., [1484,] Ralph Dodworth, son and 
heir of William Dodworth, Esq., lately deceased, granted to Hugon Hastynges, 
knight, Henry Pierpoint, knight, John Savile, knight, Hugon Bosvile, clerk, 
George Graveson, clerk, (then vicar of Kirkburton,) Richard Keresford, John 
Birton, John Keresford, John Wombewell, jun., and Thomas Birton, all his 
Manor of Schellay, &c. ; but for what purpose is not stated. These several 
feoffments of the manor, &c , do not reveal to us very clearly their precise 
intentions : it is, however, certain that although the fee simple of the Manor of 
Shelley vested in the Dodworths at this period ; a large annuity for those times 
was paid out of it of nearly seven marks to the Storthes, of Storthes, in 
Thurstonland, as we shall soon have occasion to mention. 

In the reign of Henry VIII. the Manor of Shelley vested in William Dodworth, 
who had three daughters, co-heiresses ; 1st Jane, married to John Kaye, 
of Dalton, gentleman ; 2 Elizabeth, married John Harryson, of Woolley, 
gentleman ; and 3 Anne, married John Jenkynson, of Gawbard Hall, yeoman. 
William Dodworth was dead before the 2 Edward VI., [1548,] when a division of 
his estate took place. He is stated to have possessed messuages and lands in 
Shelley, Shepley, Thurstonland, Dodworth, Barghe, Barnsley, Lepton, and 
Bardslande, (Barkisland,) in the county of York. The Manor of Shelley, the 
corn mill, with the messuages and lands, then became the portion of John Kaye, 
in right of his wife. 

In the 6 Edward VI., Gervas. Storthes, of Storthes Hall, in the parish 
of Kirkburton, gentleman, sold to John Kaye, of Dalton, gentleman, then 
lord of Shelley, a rent charge of £4 6s. 8d., for the sum of £64. The deed 
bears date 26th October, 1551, by which the said Gervas Storthes releases for 
ever to the said John Kaye, his heirs, &c, " one annuitye or yerelie rent of four 
pounds six shillings and eightpence, by yere goynge forth and yerelie, to be 
received by the said Gervas, his heirs, and assigns, for ever, out of the Manor of 
Shelley, &c, together with all and singular' evidences, escripts, mynements, and 
wrytyngs which he or any person or persons hath to his use, concerning the said 
yerelie rent charge, &c." 

There can be no doubt that the annuity of seven marks, or £4 13s. 4d.^ 
specified in the charter of the 27 Henry VI., [1448,] which had been granted to 
Johanna, then late wife of Robert Storriz, (Storthes,) was identical with the 



88 Cofonsjnjj of SljcIIm. 



annuity here alienated by Grervas Storthes, her descendant. The discrepancy in 
the sums might arise from several causes, the most probable one is, that the 
Dodworths would charge the annuitants with a proportionate share of the modus, 
or rent charge, payable in lieu of tithe-corn and hay, as seven marks, in the reign 
of Henry VI. must have been regarded as a considerable sum. 

"We may here observe, that the series of evidences from which the foregoing 
account is compiled, do not clearly set forth the descent of the Dodworths from 
the last John de Schellay, although the "consanguinity," of the Storthes is 
stated. It seems probable that Katherine Schellay was his only child, — that she 

married Dodworth, who had a son Thomas, and a daughter Johanna, who 

married Eobert Storthes, as already stated ; and it is not improbable that John 
de Shellay devised, by his will, a certain annual payment out of the Manor of 
Shelley, to. the said Johanna, his grandaughter, but vested the fee simple in 
Thomas Dodworth, his grandson. 

John Kaye, of Dalton, had issue, by Jane, his wife, viz., John Kaye, of 
Okenshaw, his son and heir, but whether any other children is uncertain.* I 
find that John Kaye the elder, near the close of his life, resided at " Shelley 
Hall," where he died in 1572, and was interred at Kirkburton. 

John Kaye, of Okenshaw, on the death of his father, became Lord of Shelley. 
He built Heath Hall, near Wakefield, " one of the finest specimens remaining in 
Yorkshire of the Elizabethan house;" there can be no question that, by its 
erection, he greatly embarrassed his circumstances, as he certainly had not an 
estate answerable to it ; and it appears that in the 19 Elizabeth he sold his 
estate at Shelley. The deed bears date 28th January, 1576, made between John 
Kaye, then of Okenshaw, gentleman, and Eobert Kaye, his son and heir apparent, 
of the one part, and John Thornhill alias Haighe, of Lockwood, Chapman, of the 
other part, for the sum of £1390, paid to the said John Kaye and Eobert Kaye, 
in consideration of which they granted and sold to the said John Thornhill alias 
Haighe, his heirs and assigns, for ever, the Manor and Lordship of Shelley, &c, 
and all messuages and lands, houses, &c, together with all rights, courts, 
perquisites of court realties, wards, marryages, reliefs, escheats, fishyngs, 
fowlings," &c, "belonging to the said manor." 

This John Kaye, who is usually styled of Okenshaw, but is sometimes 
described as of Heath, was for a time under-steward of the Honour of Pontefract 
during a part of the time Sir Henry Savile, of Thornhill, was high-steward. He 

* In the 3 of Elizabeth's reign, I find " Richard Kaye, of Dodworth, gentleman," who then released his interest in 
lands, at Overbrokholcs, in Thurstonland. 



^fltonsjrijj jrf Sjwlfog. 89 



seems to have been a gay and improvident man, and although he was married and 
had a son and heir, as already described, yet he succeeded in seducing Dorothy, 
the daughter of his friend Sir Henry Savile, by whom he had seven illegitimate 
children. "This," it has been observed, "is the only lady in one of the great 
Yorkshire houses, of the sixteenth century, who has been handed down by the old 
genealogical writers, Dodsworth and others, as having sullied the honour of her 
family." 

Arms were granted to John Kaye, of Dalton, by Flower the Herald, on the 7th 
October, 1564. The Crest : a griffin holding a key. The Aems : quartering 
those of Dodworth, a chevron between three bugle-horns. 

In the 23 Elizabeth, John Thornhill, alias Haighe, son and . heir of John 
Thornhill, alias Haighe, deceased, and Fecilia Thornhill, alias Haighe, sold the 
said manor and estate to " John Savile, of Stanley, Esq.," who devised the same 
to his third son, John Savile, of Netherton, alias Nether Shitlington, Gentleman, 
who sold it in the 34 Elizabeth, [1591,] to " John Ramsden, of Longley Hall, 
gentleman." 

In 14 Charles I., (1638,) " "William Ramsden, of Lassells Hall, Esq., son and 
heir of John Ramsden, late of the same place, Esq., deceased," sold the said 
manor, &c, to Richard Sykes, of Leeds, gentleman; Richard Sykes, rector of 
Kirkheaton, son of the said Richard; and Richard Sykes, of Kirkheaton, gentleman, 
son of the said Richard Sykes, clerk, their heirs, assigns, &c. The estate 
ultimately vested in Richard Sykes, the youngest, or grandson of the first Richard, 
who became rector of Spofforth, and prebend of York, from whom it passed to 
Richard Sykes, M.A., of Sheepscar Hall, but he dying without issue in 1686, it 
descended to his brother Micklethwaite Sykes, who died also without issue, and 
by his will dated 18th April, 1695, devised the same to his aunt Rebecca Kirshaw, 
widow of the Rev. John Kirshaw, rector of Ripley.* She died in 1706, when it 
descended to her son Richard Kirshaw, D.D., also rector of Ripley, who died in 
1736 ; then to his son Samuel Kirshaw, D.D., vicar of Leeds, and likewise rector 

* The Eev. John Kirshaw, M.A., rector of Ripley, was a considerable sufferer for his loyalty during the Commonwealth, 
as appears from a narrative which he wrote soon after the Restoration, in which he relates some circumstances and events 
he had witnessed, and the part he had taken at that unsettled period : being a defence of himself against certain accusa- 
tions which had been raised against him. That portion of it which refers to the simultaneous rising over many parts of 
the country, for the restoration of Charles II., of which Sir George Booth was at the head, and in which design a 
considerable number of the gentry and others of York and the surrounding country participated, furnishes another link 
in the series of events of that period. The attempt to take the city of York by surprise, seems to have been a feeble and 
therefore an unsuccessful one. It will not, however, be read without interest, as the prelude to the more successful attempt 
made by General Monk, who gained his admission into the city in a great measure through the personal influence of the 
Rev. Edward Bowles, a Presbyterian divine of that city, as recorded by the Rev. J. Hunter, in his history of South 
Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 416, from a contemporary M.S. written by Sir Philip Monkton. 

It may be necessary to observe that the following account is abridged from Mr. Kirshaw's MS., which has also reference 

M 



90 ^0lDirsbi|j of Sljclleg. 



of Ripley, who died in 1780, leaving issne, Richard Kirshaw, B.D., rector of 
Mashani, who died unmarried in 1792, and four daughters, in whom, by the death 
of their brother, the estate vested. Of the sisters, Mary, Anne, and Rebecca, 
died unmarried, while Frances married Ralph Shipperdson, of Hall Grarth, in the 
county of Durham, Esq., whose second surviving son, the Rev. Thomas Richard 
Shipperdson, D.D., vicar of Woodhom, in the county of Northumberland, on the 
death of his aunt, Miss Rebecca Kirshaw, in 1846, became sole proprietor. 

to matters of a more private character, and which seems to have been intended as a defence of himself against accusations 
which had been brought against him; but what refers more particularly to public interest we here give at length in the 
words of the writer. 

The account states that it had been read to Sir Solomon S , on the 7th November, 1664, which no doubt refers to 

Sir Solomon Swale, of Swale Hall, in Swaledale, Baronet. 

Mr. Kirshaw had been educated at Oxford, having been entered of Brazen Nose college, about the year 1645, and in 
due course took his B.A. degree. He was afterwards elected to a fellowship, but was " turned out of it, and the 
tuition of his scholars," for refusing to take the " engagement," by which he lost £50 per annum. Through the interest 
of Dr. Langley, he became chaplain to Lady Franklyn, near London, where he remained in retirement till he took his 
M. A. degree, having received episcopal ordination from the Archbishop of York.* " From thence," says he, " I came to 
"Wakefield as their vicar." * * * "After I had been there a while, some of Mr. Lamberte's favorites did inform 
against me to Oliver's Councell (where Lamberte was their president) that I was an enemy to the State, and did utterly 
refuse to come in the church to observe either the days of fasting or thanksgiving that were enjoyned, (which was a truth,) 
upon which, the State's pretty broade seale was given to a Nottinghamshire minister, Mr. Pocker : and I was cast out. 
Sir John Savile, and all my parishioners disclayming that act; only, some army-men owned it, and one gentleman more 
especially that is now knighted, but then was an exciseman. 

" That most loyal lady. Mrs. Hutton, of Poppleton, hearing of my disaster, gotfc some friends to write to me, to take 
shelter with her, and be their minister at Poppleton. I embraced the motion, and had £50 per annum engaged to me, 
besides all conveniences for myself and horse, in her family. There I continued for seven or eight years, and for a long 
time I came not in the church there, nor elsewhere on any State-day, either for fasting or thanksgiving. One of Lilberne's 
souldiers lived in the parrish, and he, with some others, threatened to have me turned out for that reason, upon which, 
by the advice of some ministers and other friends, I did, in Oliver's time, keepe some fast-days, but never read the titles 
of authority given to Oliver in his paper, nor any matters of disloyalty to the late King or his family, but always waived 
these passages when I read the occasion of humiliation in the State's printed papers ; and living in the Aynsty, I used 
then constantly to say in publique that the Lord Mayor of York had sent me a paper for a day of fasting, to be kept 
such a day. And in all Oliver's time I never came into Poppleton church to keep one day of thanksgiving, which brings 
to my mind, that when I lived at London, and a day of thanksgiving was kept for the defeating of his Majesty's forces 
at Worcester, I kept private in my Lady Franklyn's family that day, when she and her family went to church, whereof I 

can produce witnesses, for the first at Poppleton, and for the latter at London, and for this latter Sir W K 

did dislike me. 

" When Sir George Booth, Colonell Egerton, &c, did endeavour the introducing of King Charles II., I was all along 
privy to it, and was engaged by promise to procure the boats from Poppleton Ferry, neare to Sir Thomas Slingsby's house, 
for the more safe passage of a troope of horse, that was to surprise Boothara Barre at Yorke, while others came to 
Micclcgate Barre. This, the captaine of the troope, and now Justice of the Peace, will witnesse for me. 

" When Sir George Booth, Colonell Egerton, and two more were proclaymed traytors by the Rumpe, the paper for that 
purpose was sent to me by the chief constable ; I shunned it the first time, and Mrs. Hutton ordered all her servants that 
if any papers were sent to mc, they should take it and give it her, which she purposed to keepe from my knowledge, that 
1 wight safely say to my accusors that none came to my hands; but the chief constable sent a messenger subtily, with a 
charge to speakc with me, and deliver the paper to my owne hands, which he did, and, seeing that ministers were enjoyned 
to publish four loyal gentlemen to be traytors, I gave the paper back again, and said I believed they were loyal subjects. 
I was threatened by arrnyincn to be turned out of Poppleton, and had not General Monck found Mr. Lambert other work, 

* Archbishop Williams died in 1649, when the See remained vacant till after the Restoration. 



Cofonsbi|r uf SkllcD-. 91 



In 1851, Dr. Shipperdson sold the estate in several parcels. The manor, with. 
the hall and adjoining farm, were purchased by the Rev. Augustus Hopper, M.A., 
rector of Starston, in the county of Norfolk, nephew to Dr. Shipperdson. To 
this gentleman I am under great obligations for the attention and courtesy he 
has shewn me in the course of my enquiries, by permitting me to examine a 
considerable collection of ancient charters, and other evidences in his possession, 
connected with this manor, and for the general interest he has taken in forwarding 
my design. To him also I am indebted for the annexed pedigrees. 

some of Lilberne's souldiers had procured my ejection. 

" When Mr. Lambert was gone into the north, and General Monck's declaration came forth, a gentleman, the Duke of 
Buckingham's chief steward, acquainted me with his message that he was to carry to General Monck, from some gentlemen, 
namely, that if he did not give satisfaction privately to them, and many other loyall persons through the kingdom, that 
he would desert the cause of the Eumpe, and stand up, at least, for the readmission of the secluded members, or a free 
election of Parliamentrmen, he could not expect the assistance of the gentlemen. The messenger gott safely to General 
Monck and back againe, and made me privy to the answer that he returned. 

"As I remember, about this time the Yorkshire gentlemen made and printed their declaration at Yorke. Not long 
after, I was engaged to goe with a gentleman (Captain Levitt) to wayte on the Lord Fairfax, and acquaint him with 
Lilburne's design to sett a guard neare his house at Nun-Appleton, or to fetch him to Yorke. That night, about one 
of clocke, he went to Ardington (Arthington) ; the gentleman that went with me, assured my Lord Fairfax, that within a 
day or two his lordshipp should have a sufficient guard to attend him to Ardington. The next day one comes 
to me while I am sitting with Mrs. Hutton at dinner, and tells me of Sir Thomas Slingsby's danger to be sent for to 
Yorke, and that some others sent him, desirepng] me to wayte on Sir Thomas Slingsby, and entreate him to goe with his 
forty horse, that he and his brother had in readinesse, to Ardington. No sooner was I gott to his chaplaine's 
chamber, by name Mr. Heskyth, butt Sir Thomas comes running to know the newes, und after takes me into the house to 
some other gentlemen. After some debate they resolved to goe that night to Ardington, and when it was darke sett 
forth. The Duke of Buckingham came with many gentlemen to Knaresborough, and thence resolved to come with what 
force they had to Yorke, leaving promises from some there to hclpe them into the city by two posternes. On Saturday 
night, att twelve of clocke, a messenger came to me from Knaresborough with a little piece of paper, it which it was thus, 
or to this purpose written, ' Gentlemen, wee intend to bee in Yorke to dine with you to-morrow, att noone— make ready for 
us.' About midnight, I did arise and consider how, according to my trust, I might gett this piece of paper, with some 
other verball instructions, to certayne loyal persons in Yorke, who had promised to help to betray, or rather deliver the 
city into the gentlemen's hands. I sent to Mrs. Hutton, and entreated her to rise, who, before one of clocke, was ready, 
and wee sent for a woman and a younge man, her son ; and Mrs. Button did looke to the sewing of a piece of paper in 
some close place of the woman's clothes, and then wee sent them away to bee ready to goe into Yorke; by that time the 
Micclegate wicket was opened by the guard ; they gott in and delivered the paper safely. While I was in my sermon a 
souldier, staying at home, in Upper Poppleton, went out of his house, and espyed the company coming : ridd straight to 
Yorke in the forenoone, and caused the gates to be shutt up, and posted to Lilburne to tell him all, who imadiately came 
to Micclegate Barr himself, and secured the posternes also. 

" There is a passage in the covenant, whereby hypocriticall Oliver, and many others with him, were engaged to 
maintain the honour and happinesse of the King's Majesty, and his posterity, whereby, I endeavoured to disuadge some 
yett living that had tooke the covenant, from going against Sir George Booth ; and endeavoured a conviction to 
the parties, and to diverse others in Poppleton, that the army practised quite contrary to that engagement, by opposing 
his Majesty's returne. For this plain dealing, I was grievously threatened, when Lilburne returned out of Cheshire. I 
shall add one passage more. When Mr. Love, and Mr. Gibbons, were beheaded, for endeavouring to procure a supplv of 
moneys to the King, in Scotland, one Colcnel Purefoy, came to give a visit to a lady, to whom hee was allyed. In discourse 
I tooke that liberty of speech, which occasioned his saying in a passion, ' That if any desired that Charles Stuart the 
King of Scotts, should reigne in England, they were traytors,' upon which I held my peace, because he was one of the 
■Eumpe at that time." 

M 2 



92 



Cfltottsjjij? of Sjxelleg. 



PEDIGREES OE THE FAMILIES OP STKES, KIESHAW, SHIPPERDSON, AND HOPPER, 

LORDS OP THE MANOR OP SHELLEY. 




7 S 






Sykes. — Arms : Argent, a 
chevron, sable, between three 
Sykes, or fountains proper. 
Crest : a fieur de lis, sable. 



KinsHAW. — Arms: Gu. a 
sword in pale arg, hilted or. in 
base, a serpent uowed ppr. and 
on a chief of the third, two doves 
close, beaked and legged. 



Shipperdson. — Arms: Sa. 
on a bend arg. three lozenges 
az , each charged with a plane- 
tary sun in its glory. 



Hopper.— Arms: Quarterly, 
first and fourth gyronny of eight, 
sa. and erm. a tower or. for 
Hopper- second and third, or. 
on a mount in base, au oak tree 
vert, over all on a fesse gu. three 
regal crowns of the first for 
Carles or Carlos, (these bearings 
of Carlos were granted 21st May, 
1658, by Charle3 II. to his pre- 
server in the royal oak.) 



Richard Sykes, descended from Richard Sykes, of Sykes Dike,= 
near Carlisle, Lord of the Manor of Leeds, by purchase from 
King Charles I. Purchased the Manor of Shelley, 21st May, 
1638. 



I 
Dorofhy=John Henry Sykes,= Mary, daug 



-Eliza, daughter of - 



• Mawson, obt. 19th August, 1644. 



daught. 


Sykes 


ol'Edw. 


of 


Binns, 


Leeds, 


of Hor- 


obt. 


bury. 


1622. 


1 1 
Sarah=W. 


Horn, 



of Hunslet 
Hall, obt. 
1666, of 
whom no 
male issue 
remains. 



of Sir John 
Wood, of 
Beeston, 
knight. 



Richard Sykes,= 
rector of Kirk- 
heaton, Lord of 
the Manor of 
Shelley, bapt. 
24th July, 1603, 
obt. 1652. 



Grace, daug. 
of Kev. R. 
Stock, rec- 
tor of Kirk- 
heaton, 
mar. Oct. 
20th, 1627. 



Mary=John Bernard, Wilm.Sykes,=Grace, daughter 



Esq., of Hull 
Eliz.= John Taylor, Esq. 
of York 
Rebecca 
d. unm. 

Sibil=W, Dobsoo, Esq., 
Mayor of Hull 



merchant, 
oi Leeds 



and co-heiress 
of Josiah Jen- 
kinson.ofLeeds 



Mexbro, 
Esq. 
Eliza-1. W Lodge, 
2. W. Ald- 
burgh, of 
Aldlmrgb, 
Esq. 



rector of 
Spofforth, & 
prebend, of 
York, Lord 
of Shelley, 
bapt. 16th 
Oct., 1628, 
obt. 8th Feb. 
1696. 



Anna, da John Sykes,: 

of Rev. merchant, at 

Mark Uort, bapt, 

Mickle- 9th January 

thwait, lfi30,ob. 2nd 

rector June, 1686. 
of Long 
Marston 



Anne, 
dau. of 
Barny 
Reymes 
of Delf 



Saml. Sykes, =E]iz. da. 



Mayor of 
Leeds, 1674, 
bapt. 30th 
Mar., 1636, 
ob. 28th 
May, 1684 



and heir 
of John 
Simpson 
of Leeds, 
Esq. 



I I 

■gfl 

Es 



Rebecca, ob.=John Kir- From whom 



1706. Lady 


shaw, MA. 


descend the 


of Shelley, 


rector 


of 


families of 


by bequest 


Riplev 


, ob. 


Sir Tatton 


ot'Mickleth- 


1684. 




Sykes, bart., 


waite Svkes 






and ol Sykes 


her nephew 






of Kirk-Ella 



Rich. Svkes, 


it 


\ 


1 
Mlcklethwait 


U 1 


ii 


i 

Adriana 


1. Caleb= 


= Elizabeth,=2 Ri^d. 


J 


1. Constance,= 


M. A , of 


r. 


91 


Svkes, ob. 


n £ OT 


a a 


mar. Sir 


Wood, 


co-heiress Hopkin- 




sister and 


Shipscar 


<~- 


B 


s.p. Will 


B« 8 


<% 


Griffith 


s.p. 


son, of 


-a 


heir of Sir 


Hall, ob. 




■< 


dated 18th 


~ 




Boyn- 




Leeds, 




Griffith 


s.p., 10th 




April, 1095, 


.a 




ton.bart 




Esq. 




Boyuton, 


Oct., 1686, 






Lord of 


o 










■g 


bait , mar. 


Lord of 






Shelley. 














28th May, 


Shelley 


















w 


1702, ob. 
1705. 



William Kirshaw 
Boynton, Esq , 
heir to the 
JJ o y n t o n s, 
whose name he 
assumed Dap. 
1705. Died uu- 
married. Lord 
of Shelley. 



I I 



C — 



ichard = 
Kirshaw 
D ll . 
rector of 
Ripley, 

ub. i;.jt>. 

aged 72, 
Lord of 
the 

M anor 
of Shel- 
ley. 



2. Rebeoca Mary= 
Sykes, co- Sykes 
heir, ob. co-h, 
1736, aged 
64. 



Samuel 
Kirshaw,. 
Esq., of 
Leeds, 




Samuel Kirshaw,=^7=Anne, daughter 



of Saml. Brook, 
D.D , rector of 
St. Alphage, 
London, oi' 
Beeston, near 
Leeds. 



Richard 
infant 



Adrians, s p Snmnel Kirshaw, 

of Pudsey, ob. 
s.p. 



Mary= William 

Gawthorp, 
rector of 
Ripley. 



^otrntsljip 0f SfrtUcrr 



93 



i 

Richard Kirshaw, 
B.D., fellow of 
Trinity College, 
Camb. rector of 
Masham, co. 
York, b. 1743, 
ob. 1792, unm. 
Lord of Shelley 



Mary, b. 1744, d. 
unm. co-heiress 
Joint Lady of 
Shelley, with 
her sisters. 



Frances, co-h.: 



=Ralph Shipperdson, 
Esq., Hall-Garth & 
Murton, county 
Durham. 



Anne, b. 1751, d.=Francis Russell, 



1803, co-heiress 
s.p. 



of Basingstoke, 
Esq.,d. without 
issue. 



Rebecca, b. 1757, 
d. at Leeds, unm. 
1846, co-heiress 



Edwd. Sbipperd- Ralph, 
son, of Pitting- R. N. 
ton & Murton, d. un. 
co.Durh.Esq. 1806 
High Sheriff of 
eo. Durham, 
1843, died unm. 
28th Dec, 1855. 



I 
Thomas Richard,= 
D.D , vicar of 
Woodhouse, co. 
Northumberlnd 
Lord of Shelley 



^Marianne, 
da. of John 
Hutchin- 
son, Esq., 
ofDurham 



Frances, ma. 
William 
Ap 1 etre, 
Esq., of 
Basing- 
stoke. 



Anned. unm. 
1841. 



Margaret, d.= 
21th, Mar., 
1846. 



=WaIter Carles 
Hopper, Esq., 
of Belmont, & 
Walworth, co. 
Durham. 



Mary, died 
unmarried, 
1855. 



I 



Edmund Hector= 
Hopper, M.A., 
of Hermitage, 
co. Durham. 
Assumed by 
Koyal Sign 
Manual the 
name and arms 
of 8h ipperdson 
only.on inherit- 
ing the estates 
of his uncle, 
Edward Ship- 
perdson, Esq. 



zAdeline, 
da. of J. 
Kerrich, 
Esq., of 
Harles- 
ton, co. 
Norfolk. 



I 
Walter 
Anthony 
of Lin- 
coins 
Inn, 

d. unm., 
1845. 



I I 

Ralph Wilm. Augustus Macdonald == Charlotte, younger 



Shipperdson, 
M D., ob. 
unm. 1856. 



Hopper, b. 11 Aug. 
1616, M.A Form- 
erly fellow of St. 
John's College, 
Cambridge. Hon- 
orary canon of Nor- 
wich, and rector of 
Starston, co. Nor- 
folk, Lord of Shel- 
ley. 



daughter of the 
Rev. John Holmes, 
of Gawdy Hall, co. 
Norfolk. 



Mary Anne Caroline 

Frances, ma. Elizabeth, 

John Smith, mar. Rev. 

Esq., of Bur- James Bou- 

ley House, cher. 
Leeds. 



Isabella £ 

Margaret, £ 

married her 5 

cousin, F. R. ^ 
Apletre, Esq. 



I 
Thos. Henry 
Shipperdson, 
b. 26th Aug. 
1839. 



Mary Adeline 



Isabella 
Henrietta 



Richard Carles 
Hopper, b. 4th 
Feb., 1640, d. 
31st January, 
1855. 



I 
Edmund 
Carles Hop- 
per, b. 23rd 
June, 1856. 



Anthony 
Shipperdson 
Hopper, b. 
17th June 
1858. 



Annie Mar- 
garet 



Constance 



There are several places within this township which may be mentioned as 
having been the residences of families of the class of yeomen. 



Hebley. 

This place possesses no interest beyond the fact of its having given surname to a 
family, who at a very remote period resided here, and members of which frequently 
appear as witnesses to charters connected with the district, down to the reign of 
Henry V. or VI. 

The earliest mention of the name is that of "Adam de Helay," as a witness to 
a charter in the reign of Henry III. A " William de Helay" appears as witness 
to another undated charter, not later than Edward I. A " John de Helay" occurs 
as a witness to another undated charter; and an "Adam de Helay," witness to 
another dated 1335. 

A John de Helay, in the 5 Henry V., [1416,] along with two others, released 
to Robert Rockley, Esq., certain lands with which he had been enfeoffed. This 
is the last evidence I have found of them, in connexion with this township. 



94 Cflfoirsljii? xrf Sj)tII^. 



A family of tlie name of Wright was resident here in the reign of Henry VIII., 
and probably at an earlier period. They were also resident here in the reign of 
Elizabeth. 

In 1490, Richard Wright had a dispute with John Jackson and Wilham 
Morehouse, respecting the right of their respective wives and families to stand 
and kneel in a certain stall in the church of Burton, which was settled by the 
kirkgraves, (churchwardens,) who, after hearing evidence on both sides, gave 
their award, which proved adverse to Wright's claim. 

Wool-eow. 

This is a large farm, pleasantly situated. The buildings are comparatively 
modern, and possess no features worthy of remark. The name is of considerable 
antiquity, and like several others in the district, it gave surname to a family, who 
were resident here at a remote period. Robert de Wolwro appears as a witness 
to a charter not later than Edward I. By a charter without date, Margary, 
daughter of Richard de Wl-Wrohe, granted lands in Scelley to Richard Hunt. 
A Robert de Wlve-wro was witness to charters dated 1312 and 1316 respectively. 
The name is variously spelt : in one instance it is Wulf-wro, which seems clearly 
to point to its derivation, from that destructive animal. This is supported by 
a charter dated 1 Edward II., [1307,] wherein two acres of land, in the lordship 
of Shelley, are granted in "that field which is called Wolf-falls, in which these 
thieves fell."* 

In the reign of Charles I., this was the property of John Clayton, of Clayton 
Hall, Esq., who was a Justice of the Peace during the Commonwealth. He was 
in possession of the estate in 1667. By an inquisition in 1677, it was found to 
have vested in Joseph Watkinson, in consequence of the decease of his brother, 
Edward Watkinson, without issue. In the reign of Queen Anne, it was purchased 
by, and became the residence of the Stocks', a collateral branch of the Stocks' 
originally of Stocks, in Thurstonland, whence they derived their surname. 

The late Samuel Stocks, of Wakefield, Esq., devised this and other estates in 
this parish, to his daughter Sarah, wife of Thomas Farmer, of Arthington Hall, 
Esq., in whom it now vests. 

WOODHOTTSB, 

Commonly called " Shelley- Woodhouse," was an ancient homestead. There 
is nothing in its present appearance to recommend it to notice, except that 

* One method of taking and destroying Micsc animals was by digging deep pits and covering tkem slightly, which no 
doubt was what is here alluded to. 



Cohmsbip of ^belfry. 95 



notwithstanding its elevated situation, it has been chosen as the site of a woollen 
mill. At a very remote period, it gave name to its possessors. The name appears 
in three charters without dates, but somewhat differently described in each, viz. — 
Adam de Scellay Wodehus, Adam del Wodehus, and Adam de le Wodehus, and 
yet it is not improbable these may all refer to the same person. 

In the reign of Henry III., or early in that of Edward I., some of the property 
had passed into other hands, for, by a charter about that period, "William Spinke 
de Scheluelay Wodhous granted to Henry de Scheluelay, his lord, and Robert, 
his son and heir, the whole of his lands, which had been given him by his father 
in the territory of Scheluelay. 

By a charter dated 5 Henry V., [1416,] Robert Taillior de Byrton, William 
Pelle, the chaplain, and John de Heelay, granted and confirmed to Robert 
Rockley, Esq., John Stonelegh de Ledes, and "William de Hanlay, lands within 
the territory of Shellay, which had been granted to them in trust, by Robert de 
"Wodehous, but for what purpose is not stated. 

Grice. 

This place is quite undeserving of notice as regards its present appearance, but 
formerly like others already mentioned, it gave surname to a family of considerable 
importance in the "West-Riding for several generations. A Richard de Gris 
occurs as witness to charters dated 1307 and 1312 respectively. 

Rotdhouse. 

This place has been the residence of a family of respectability at a very 
remote period, and from it they acquired their name of addition. 

The following charter evidences, in which they appear for the most part as 
principals, will best inform the reader. 

In a charter without date, but not later than Henry III., Thomas, son of Robert 
de le Rodis, granted to Peter, son of Pagam de Scheluelay, clerk, and to his heirs, 
&c, the whole of his lands " de le Rodis in villa de Scheluelay," with all pastures, 
woods, &c. This charter is in fine preservation, written in a clear and beautiful 
hand, and having appended to it the seal in green wax, with s. tome eobeet quite 
perfect. 

By another charter without date, and not later than Henry III., Adam, the son 
of "William le Trievur de Wake... [Wakefield ?] and Alice his wife, granted certain 
lands in " villa de Schellay," to " Ricardo, clerico, de Rodys et Edus uxori suse et 
eorum heredibus ex eis legi." &c. Here we have not only the celibacy of the 



96 &0bjtrs|ri}j of Sljtlltg. 



priesthood violated, but the marriage publicly acknowledged. Among the 
witnesses to this charter, was John de le Hyl, then seneschal to Earl Warren. 

Richard de Rodes, " clerico," appears as a witness to a charter without date. 

In another charter without date, about the reign of Edward L, Adam, son of 
Eduse del Rodes granted quit claims to Henry de Schellay, his lord, of all his 
right, &c, in the corn mill, in Schellay; the said Adam reserving to himself, and 
his heirs, the right to have ground, at the said mill, all the corn grown upon his 
lands, at Rodes, at the rate of every twenty-four vessel. 

By a charter dated 1 Edward II., [1307,] Robert, the son of Elias de 
Scheluelay, granted to Adam, the son of Richard, the son of Ellen de le Rodes, 
two acres of land, within the lordship of Scheluelay, " in illo campo q. d. 
Wlfalles que in acciderat fare." 

In 18 Edward II., (1324,) Nicholas de Schellay, son of Nicholas, granted by his 
charter, to John de Grrenegate de Wakefeld, " consanguineo meo unam bovatam 
terras, in villa et campis de Schellay, una ac totam terram meam in le Roides, 
cum pratis et bosco eisdem adjacentibus et cum omnibus edificis, et pertinentibus 
suis." The witnesses were John de Schellay, Lord of Shellay; William de Byrton ; 
and John de Schellay, senior. 

Independent Chapel. 
The independent interest here had its rise from the preaching of the Rev. 
Benjamin Kay, vicar of Kirkburton, who died in 1793, and held high Calvinistic 
sentiments. 

The theological views of his immediate successor were widely different, on 
which account some of the congregation seceded from the church, and met 
together for religious worship at Burton lane-head. They chose for their 
minister William Thorp, a self-educated man, possessed of good natural powers, 
which he greatly improved by reading and study, and became an eminent 
preacher. He remained with them about two years, then removed to Netherfield 
chapel, near Penistone ; thence to Chester, and lastly to Bristol, where he died 
in 1832. 

He was succeeded by Rathall, a Baptist minister, who remained till the 

congregation built this chapel in 1796. 

Robert Harper, from Melbourne, was the first minister who preached at the 
new chapel. He remained four years, then removed to Northowram, near 
Halifax, and died at Stockport. 

The next was Robert Blake, from Bridlington. He remained five years, and 
then removed to Ossett, near Wakefield, but ultimately emigrated to America. 



(Lototsbijr uf SbeHoff. 97 



John Hanson, succeeded, from Elland. He remained ten years, then removed 
to the neighbourhood of London. He afterwards returned to Yorkshire, to take 
charge of a small congregation at Loxley, near Sheffield. 

Mr. Hanson's successor here was Sugden, from Grassington, in Craven. 

He resigned within two years, and was succeeded by Stewart, who, after 

remaining five years, removed to the neighbourhood of Manchester. His 

immediate successor was Whitworth, from Manchester. He remained eight 

years, and then removed to Northowram. 

G. B. Scott, late missionary in Ireland, Manchester, &c, was minister here in 
1848. 

The chapel is a neat building, and has a small grave-yard. Attached, also, is a 
house, for the resident minister. 

Inscriptions. 

Eliza, wife of George Benjamin Scott, pastor of this church and congregation, died November 18th, 
1847, aged 32 years. 

Martha, wife of George Townend, died June 8th, 1848, aged 84 years. Also, the above George 
Townend, who died July 22nd, 1851, aged 89 years. 

Ann, daughter of Amos and Hannah Townend, of Shelley, died September 17th, 1830, aged 13 years. 

"Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (New Connexion). 

This chapel was built by the Wesleyans about the year 1789, and vested in 
trustees. 

About 1797, some dissatisfaction arose in the Wesleyan body respecting the 
management of the affairs of their churches, in which Mr. Alexander Kilham, 
one of their popular preachers, took a leading part, and which, ultimately, led to 
a secession of a few of their preachers and a small section of the body. 

The trustees of this chapel, with the majority of the congregation, joined the 
Kilhamite party, and in consequence of the chapel not being under the control of 
"Conference " they succeeded in retaining possession. This is one of the few 
chapels which passed into the hands of the seceding party, and has since 
maintained an independent position. 

A spacious school-room was erected in 1835. 

School. 

"On an inclosure of the commonable land in this township, about twenty-three 
years ago, [viz., in 1803,] an allotment of six acres, or thereabouts, was set apart, 

N 



98 8frofon;s|}i:p of Sbcilcu. 



with the consent of the lord of the manor, and other proprietors of land in Shelley, 
and awarded to the Vicar of Kirkburton, and the churchwarden and overseers of 
Shelley, in trust, for the use of a schoolmaster, to teach the children of Shelley ; 
and a house for the schoolmaster, with school-room adjoining, were shortly 
afterwards erected, by means of a • subscription. The master of the school, who 
is appointed by the trustees, occupies the school premises, and receives the rent 
of the allotment, which is £12 a year — the full annual value ; and in consideration 
thereof, he instructs four poor children in English reading, writing, and accounts, 
free of charge ; and other children in the like branches of learning, on moderate 
terms, fixed by the trustees."* 

The enclosure of the Common Lands of this township took place 

in 1803, comprising 70 acres 

The ancient enclosure 1350 „ 

Total 1420 „ 



Charity Commissioners' Report. 



I 




-2fe^5 * 



Actons j]tjj <rf SfjcplciT. 



The etymology is evident — Sheep-ley. It is included in the Soke of Wakefield 
in the Domesday survey, which states, in " Seppeleie two carucates " returned as 
waste. 

This manor appears to have been granted off by Earl Warren at a very remote 
period, to one of his attendants, who took his name of addition from the place. 

In some " Notes and Eemembrances of the Manor of Sheepleye, which I have 
seen, it is stated that "one Matthew cle Sheepleye was Lord of Sheepleye," and 
steward to the Earl Warren, of the Lordship of Wakefield; and that he had 
lands granted to him from Thomas cle Burge, which said Thomas had of the 
graunte of Dni Eogeri de Montbegon, to be holden by the 20th part of a 
knight's fee, &c, and it is called Hay am de Kesceburgh," &c. 

I have seen no other evidence in proof of Matthew de Shepley being steward 
to Earl Warren, at the same time it is by no means improbable ; as we find from 
charter evidence that a "Matthew de Shepleie" was present with his lord, and both 

n2 






-7f' 



L.ctC. 



100 ^ofonsljiji of Slwplm. 



were witnesses to a deed from Alice, Countess of En, formerly wife of Ralph de 
Isondon, Earl of En, who confirmed the site of Roche Abbey, &c, to the monks. 
The deed was executed at Tickhill, and the witnesses were William Earl Warren 
her uncle, Philip Ulecote, William de Oressi, Mauvesyn de Hercy, Baldwin his 
brother, and Matthew de Shepleie, all knights. This deed is remarkable for 
having a date so early as 1219.* 

Here then we have proof of the personal attendance of Matthew de Shepleie 
upon his lord, and that he was knighted : an honour which would not have been 
conferred had he not performed some signal services. From a charter from 
Henry, the son of Roger de Serwind de Oumbrewode to William de Bretton, 
his lord, in which Matthew de Shepley appears as a witness, who was probably 
the same person, we have the record of another interesting transaction in 
connection with this Matthew de Shepleie, and, as it would seem, anterior to his 
beino- knighted; consequently, previous to 1219. It is a confirmation of certain 
lands previously granted by "Matheus de Schepelay" to the monks of Roche 
Abbey, then confirmed by William, Earl Warren, to the monks : to this charter 
we have two witnesses who were also witnesses to the charter of the Countess 
of Eu; namely, — Malvesyne de Hersy and Baldwin de Hersy, but as neither 
of them is styled knight, we may justly infer this transaction was of a still 
earlier date. 

Omnibus Christi fidelibus, ad quos presens carta pervenerit, Willelmus Comes Warren, salutem in 
Domino. Sciatis me concessisse et hac presenti carta mea confirmasse Deo, et beate Marie et Monachis 
de Rupe, pro salute anime meo et antecessorum meorum totam terram de Cumbrewode cum messuagiis, 
et omnibus pertinenciis quam Matheus de Schepelay, eis debit et cartis suis confirmavit tenendum in 
perpetuam, elemosinam secundum tenore carte Mathei. Hiis testibus Willielmo filio Willielmi, 
Malveisimo de Hersy, Rico, de Memers, Baldewino de Hersy, Roberto de Brettvile, Radulfo de 
Eccleshale, Johe de Wakling, clerico, Johe Wkefeld, clerico, Regnaldo Coc.f 

Sir Matthew de Shepley had a son Matthew, who seems to have lived through 
the long reign of Henry III. He appears as witness to a number of charters, all 
without date, except one in 1257. He was succeeded by "John de Scheplay," 
whose name frequently occurs in charters of the reign of Edward I., but 
without dates. 



* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 251. 

t " Rudulf de Eccleshall," Lord of Ecclesall in Hallamshirc, gave lands to the Abhey of Bcaueheif. Ho was also 
a witness to a grant of Gerard de Puruival to the monks of Kirkstead before the 3 Henry III. [1219]. See Mr. Hunter's 
Hallamshirc, p. 196. 






S>foiTsI)ij) of Sljtulcg. 101 



It appears that a " Thomas de Scheplay was lord in 1316, and that he had to 
wife one Margaret, by whom he had issue John de Scheplay ; which Margaret 
survived and had her dower assigned." 

"In the 12th yeare of the reigne of Edward III., this John de Scheplay in the 
court of the Earl Warren, holden at Wakefield, did acknowledge that he held a 
carucate of land of Thomas de Burgh by homage fealtye and escuage, &c. This 
John was twice marryed ; by his first wife, Johanna, he had issue William de 
Scheplay. By his second wife, Margaret, he had issue Robert de Scheplay." 

" William, the elder son and heir, was in ward to John de Burge, son and 
heir of Thomas de Bnrge, in the 36 Edward III, [1361,] who sold his wardship 
to Jennet, wief of William Storres " [Storthes]. " William de Shepley married 
and had issue two daughters, to wit — Isabell and Dionysia, co-heiresses. Isabell 
married Robert de G-oldthorp, but more frequently called Robertson or Robinson, 
of Goldthorp, near Barnsley, by whom she had issue. Dionysia married 
Thomas Stone, by whom she also had issue : and the manor and estates were 
divided." 

" But Robert de Scheplay, brother of William, had likewise issue two daughters, 

namely — -Alice, wife of Alcoke, and Agnes, wife of Cobbocke ; the 

elder daughter had issue a son, named John Alcoke : and the second daughter 
had issue a son, named William Cobbocke." 

" Isabell, the elder daughter of William Scheplay, had issue a son, named 
Thomas Goldthorpe ; and the younger daughter, Dionysia, had issue a son, 
named William Stone. These were the next heirs of William Sheplay, who, in 
the 8 Henry VI. [1429], sewed John Alcoke for a chiste and evidences, which 
William Sheplay, their grandfather, in anno 12 Henry IV. [1410,] delyvered to 
Alice, the mother of John Alcoke, to keepe, and for a deed whereby John 
Sheplay had given the manor of Sheplay to Grilberte de Leighe in fee, and 
for another deed whereby the said Gilberte had gyven the said manor to 
John Sheplay, and Jennet, his wiff, and to the heires of their bodye lawfullye 
issuying," &c. 

" John Alcocke denyed the withholding of the chiste of evidences. But in the 
yeare after, John Alcocke and William Cobbocke, cousens and next heires of the 
two daughters of Roberte Shepleye, brought a formedom in descender against 
Thomas Groldthorpe and William Stone, the coosens and next heires of the two 
daughters of William Shepleye, for the manor of Shepleye, supposing the same to 
be entailed to the heires of the bodye of the second wief, &c. This was tryed 
and found against them. So that the manor hath since contynued in the right 



102 ®0t\ws()t|j of Sbcplcu. 



line of the Shepleys by force of the deed of entaile, made by Gilberte de Leighe, 
&c, to John Shepley and his first wieffe in especial taile." 

" Thomas Goldthorpe, the son of Isabel, took to wife, in the 8 Henry V. [1419,] Alice, daughter of 
Laurence Kaye, the second of that surname at Woodsome. Of this marriage it was stipulated that 
Laurence Kaye should name the day and place, when and where the marriage should be solemnized : 
that William Shepley should enfeoff Thomas and Alice in lands to the annual value of 26s. 8d. ; and that 
Robert Robertson, als. Goldthorp, should settle lands on them also. Laurence Kaye agrees to pay them 
40 marks. There is also in the same deed a provision for the marriage of William Stone, another 
grandson of William Shepley, with another daughter of Laurence Kaye. The marriage of Alice took 
place, and she was living in 1463, when Thomas Goldthorpe, described as of Shepley, made his will ; in 
which he mentions many children, and directs that Henry, his son, shall have a messuage in Goldthorpe, 
called the Dovecote Land, and a messuage in Bolton. He is to be buried in the cemetry of the parish church 
of Bolton, with his principale, according to custom. He gives to the high alter 20d., to the fabrick, 2s., 
to the service of the Blessed Mary, a cow of the value of 10s.; to the support of the tapers burning before 
the crucifix, 6d. ; to the repair of the bridge of Horbury, 12d. ; to the torches burning about my body 
on the day of my sepulture, 2s. He had before this time settled on his eldest son, John Goldthorpe, all 
his lands which came to him by right of inheritance after the death of Robert, his father, in the townships 
of Goldthorpe, Bolton, and Billingley, and those at Shepley which had descended to him after the death 
of William Shepley, his grandfather, on his marriage with Elizabeth,* daughter of Thomas Savile, of 
Hullenedge, in 1456. Savile being to pay to Thomas Goldthorpe 26 marks on the day of the spousal, and 
in the year after, 20 marks more. The last William Goldthorpe having no male issue, made an entail of 
his lands, which are described as twelve messuages, thirty acres of meadow, one hundred of pasture, ten 
of wood, and 20s. rent, in Goldthorpe, Bolton, Billingley, Barnborough, and Shepley, to the use of 
himself and his heirs male of his body ; remainder to John and James, his brothers, and their heirs male 
respectively ; remainder to his uncle, William Goldthorpe, and the heirs male of his body ; remainder to 
his right heirs. "-j- 

By virtue of this entail they descended to his nephew, Thomas Goldthorpe, 
of whom we shall next have to speak. 

The Goldthorpes had their principal residence at Goldthorpe, till having 
married the heiress of the manor of Shepley, where they afterwards resided. 

In the 32 Henry VIII., [1540, 7th May,] Thomas Goldthorpe, by his deed of 
this date, sold to Richard Stansfield, of London, an annuity of £20 per ann. for 
forty-five years, out of the manors of Goldthorpe, Billingley, Bolton, Barnborough, 
and Shepley, to be paid half-pearly on Lady-day and Lammas, in St. Paul's 
church, London ; and for six weeks' non-payment, to forfeit 40s. as a fine ; and 
for non-payment for a whole quarter of a year, Richard Stansfield to enter to 
the whole of the rest of the 45 years that was to come. But before this, 
Thomas Goldthorpe had sold Richard Stansfield an annuity of £8 6s. 8d., for 
!7 years ; but this was done away by this latter contract of £20 per annum. It 

* Thoresliy calls her "Alice." See Ducatus Leod, p. 114. f Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 387. 



^olnnsMj? of $|ppkg. 10^ 



was also agreed that if Thomas Groldthorpe should sell or mortgage any of his 
estate, that Eichard Stansfield should have the preference of buying, &c. And 
if Thomas kept and performed his covenants above-mentioned, a recognisance 
for £500 as security " shall be void and of none effect ; otherwise it shall be 
of full force." 

In the 34 Henry VIII., [1542, September 16th,] the said Thomas Goldthorpe 
sold to the said Richard Stansfield, for £290, his " moiety of the manor of 
Shepley, the hall, a messuage, miln, cottage, and all lands, together with all 
manorial rights, profits of courts, leets, &c, Ayith all deeds, &c. This terminated 
the connexion of the line of Goldthorpe with the manor. 

In the 13 Elizabeth, [1571,] on the 25th August, Richard Cooke, Esq., of 
Fulwell, in Essex, sold to John Savile, of Stanley, near Wakefield, Esq., for 
£520, all the said moiety of the manor of Shepley, the hall, lands and 
appurtenances, miln courts, franchises, royalties, &c, being of the annual value 
of £18 9s. lid. 

How the manor, &c, came to vest in Richard Cooke, does not appear; it is 
not improbable that it passed from Richard Stansfield to him, through marriage ; 
or Cooke might be his grandson or nephew. 

John Savile, of Netherton, gentleman, son of the above John Savile, sold the 
same to Robert Hepworth, of Shepley hall, his tenant, at two sales, amounting 
together to the sum of £580 : these transactions bear date July 1st, 36 Elizabeth, 
[1594,] and the 30th August, 37 Elizabeth, [1595,] respectively. Robert 
Hepworth died in 1598, leaving Robert his son and heir, who married Frances, 
daughter of the Rev. John Stowell, vicar of Penistone. He held the office 
of high constable of Agbrigg, and was appointed collector of the tithes, chantry 
and other rents belonging to his Majesty, James I., in the West-Riding of 
Yorkshire. He built, or rather rebuilt, Shepley hall, a small mansion in the style 
then prevailing, the front part of which still remains nearly entire, as shown 
in the foregoing sketch. Over the door, cut in the stone, are initial letters of his 
name, and the year, " 1608." 

He died about the year 1616, leaving a son, William, who married Lord, 

of "Rachdale." He also appears to have held the office of collector of the 
king's tithes and chantry rents; in addition to which, he held the office of 
coroner of the district. I have seen a folio MS. belonging to, and written by 
this person and his father, in which they record many particulars concerning 
their various duties ; also many private memoranda, and a few incidental notices 
of occurrences in the district. He had also been employed by Sir Francis 



104 &otonsIjijj of Sfttpleg. 



"Wortley, of "Wortley, Baronet, to receive the modus in lieu of the rectorial tithe 
of this parish, which was at that time held by him on lease from the crown. He 
appears to have been on intimate terms with Sir Francis, concerning whom, and 
his family, he has recorded several particulars. 

I have had frequent occasion to allude to this MS., from which many extracts 
have been made in the course of this work, either in recording facts, or 
illustrating the manners and usages of the times. 

William Hepworth seems to have practised as an attorney ; his name often 
occurs in the transaction of public and private business of the district at that 
time. Notwithstanding his office of coroner of the wapentake, and likewise that 
of collector of his Majesty's rents, for which alone he had £20 per ann., and 
"rather over £15 per ann. of rents out of Lancashire, belonging to his wife," 
his worldly circumstances were not prosperous; for in the 5 Charles I. [1629,] the 
12th June, he sold to John Firth, of Cumberworth, all his moiety of the manor 
of Shepley, the hall, &c, lands, woods, free rents, perquisites of courts, &c, 
reserving to himself and his wife certain annuities during their lives. Hepworth 
had previously mortgaged a part of the estate for £100 to Gamaliel Whitaker, 
vicar of Kirkburton, and Hester, his wife ; the interest of which was stipulated 
to be paid " in the south porch of. Kirkburton Church." 

John Firth, of Shepley hall, died in 1682, aged 86 years, and his wife, Ann, 
died in 1694, aged 91. He devised the estate to Thomas Firth, his son and heir, 
who had issue John and Thomas ; to whom, at his death in 1702, he devised the 
same. Thomas died a minor, when John became sole proprietor. The said 
John, by his will, devised the same to Thomas Firth, his only son, who married 
Martha, daughter of John Tyas, of Scholes, and widow of Joseph Green, of Oxlee, 
by whom she had Joseph Green and three other children. 

In 1773, Thomas Firth, then of Shepley hall, conveyed his manor and estate in 
Shepley, to Joseph Green, of Oxlee, in Hepworth, his stepson, in exchange for 
messuages and lands at Oxlee ; but in 1775, the said Joseph Green sold the same 
to Thomas Hardy, of Birks-gate, in Thurstonland, who died in 1836, and 
devised the same to his nephew and next heir, the late Thomas Hardy, 
of Birks-gate, Esquire, who was an active magistrate of this county, at whose 
death it descended to his eldest surviving son, Edward Hardy, Esq., now of 
Shepley hall. 



Cflhmsjjip 0f Sjrejjlcg. 



105 




REMAINS OF THE OLD MANOE HOUSE BELONGING TO THE STONES. 



The other moiety of the manor and estate of William Shepley, vested in 
Dionysia, his younger daughter, who married Thomas Stone, and was co-heiress 
with her sister, who, as we have already shown, married Robert Goldthorpe. 

Thomas Stone and Dionysia had issue William Stone, who was witness to a 
deed in the 16 Henry VI., [1437]. In the marriage agreement entered into 
between Eobert Goldthorpe, another grandson of William Shepley, in the 
8 Henry V., [1419,] Avith Alice, daughter of Laurence Kaye, of Woodsome, a 
provision was also made for the marriage of William Stone, the other grandson 
of William Shepley, with another daughter of Laurence Kaye ; but whether this 
marriage took place does not appear. 

From 1437 to 1574 I have met with no positive evidence illustrative of the 
pedigree of the Stones, of Shepley manor. In the 17 Elizabeth I find a deed 
of enfeoffment made by John Stone, of Shepley, yeoman, wherein he grants to 
William Brammall, John West, and Nicholas Ellyson, all his half of the manor 
of Shepley, together with all houses and lands, arable, pasture, and wood, in 
Shepley, to the use and behoof of him, the said John Stone and Dionysia, his 
now wife, for their lives, and to the heirs of their bodies lawfully issuing ; and 
in default of such issue, to Francis Brammall, son of the said William Brammall, 
and to his legal issue ; and in default to the right heirs of the said John Stone. 

John and Dionysia Stone had, however, issue an only child — Anne Stone ; who 
married in 1601, Thomas Morehouse, then of Shepley, by whom she had issue 

o 



106 &ohms|)ip of SljenkiJ. 



William Morehouse, baptised 21st November, 1602. She died the following 
spring, and was interred at Kirkburton, 26th April, 1603 ; so that her son, 
then an infant, became at the death of his grandfather, which was during 
his minority, sole possessor of this moiety of the manor and estate, and 
likewise sole representative of the family of Stone : which, by the death of 
John Stone, the grandfather, became extinct in the male line at Shepley. The 
said "William Morehouse married Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Oglethorpe, of 
Pontefract Castle, Gentleman. The marriage settlement bears date 12th April, 
1626 ; wherein he conveyed to trustees the whole of the capital messuage and 
manor of Shepley, called " Stone place, or Stones's manor," together with 
certain lands therein mentioned, after his death, for the use of Elizabeth 
Oglethorpe, during the term of her natural life. The deed mentions his father, 
and likewise Dionysia Stone, his grandmother, as both living. 

We find that in 1649 he sold a part of his estate, and that in 1654 he was 
under the necessity of alienating the remainder, — the hall and manor, &c. — to 
John Hollingworth, of Tintwistle, in the county of Chester. 

What were the circumstances which impelled to such a necessity, we have not 
seen stated ; but the marriage settlement, which is in the author's possession, 
seem to supply an important link in elucidating the cause which probably led to 
these disastrous consequences. The trustees appointed in this settlement were 
the Rev. Gamaliel Whitaker, vicar of Kirkburton, and John Johnson, of 
Wriggleford, yeoman. It has already been shown that Mr. Whitaker was an 
active royalist, and lost his life in the cause ; it is also more than probable that 
Mr. Johnson, who had married Mrs. Whitaker' s sister, took the same side. It is 
moreover abundantly evident that Mr. Francis Oglethorpe, who is stated as then 
"of Pontefract Castle," and held a commission in the army, was also in the 
royal cause: for Thoresby mentions "the very ancient family of Oglethorpe, of 
Oglethorpe, which place had continued in the family till the civil wars, when it 
was lost from their loyalty, and it is said several of the name died at once, in the 
bed of honour : being slain in a battle near Oxford, of the King's party." It 
seems, therefore, highly probable that William Morehouse had espoused the royal 
cause, and become involved in its troubles.* . He was buried at Kirkburton, 

* Such was the unsettled state of the times, that it is impossible to pourtray the losses and deprivations which were 
entailed upon each party; both had eagerly engaged their fortunes and their lives in the service, with noble bravery and 
determination; but at the close of the war, alas ! too many found their estates involved, their constitutions broken, and 
their expectations disappointed. Upon the royalists this may be supposed to have fallen with a heavy hand, but upon 
many of those who had fought valiantly in the field for the cause of liberty, and after a long and arduous struggle had 
gained so complete a victory, it must have been a deep source of mortification to find they had only been putting down 



Cflhrasjjtjj rjf S^gfleg. 107 



3rd July, 1672; his wife Elizabeth had also been interred there, 16th July, 
1663. John Hollingworth devised the estate to John Wagstaff and others, 
who sold off portions to several parties ; but they made their last sale, 
including the manor, to William Radcliffe, Gentleman, bearing date 15th May, 
1708 : from whom it descended to his son, William Eadcliffe, of Milns-Bridge, 
Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of the West-Riding Militia, and a Justice of the Peace. 
He died without issue in 1795, aged 85 years. By his will he made his nephew, 
Joseph Pickford, sole heir to his estates, who thereupon took the name of 
Radcliffe, and likewise fixed his residence at Milns-Bridge, where he became an 
active and efficient magistrate of the district. For the courage and energy 
which he displayed in putting down Luddism, he received the honour of a 
baronetcy in 1813, at the recommendation of Earl Fitzwilliam, at that time 
Lord-Lieutenant of the West-Riding. 

This moiety of the manor has since descended with the title. 

one despot to create another ; that, however high their admiration of Cromwell as a general, or brilliant his exploits in 
the field, yet his intrigues and dissimulation but too plainly indicated his desire of power and aggrandisement ; so that 
whatever stood in the way of his accomplishing these ends, was disposed of in the most unscrupulous manner. Sir 
Thomas Fairfax, an honest and brave man, was not disposed to adopt the extreme views of his rival, and therefore soon 
became distasteful to him, and ere long was treated by him with marked disrespect ; and many of those who had fought 
with him shared the like neglect. 

We have been led to premise these remarks on introducing here a very brief notice of a parliamentary officer, who 
resided in the adjoining parish of Penistone, and which to some extent illustrates the subject under consideration. Adam 
Eyre, of Hazlehead, in Thurlstone, was a gentleman of good education, and resided on his own estate ; he held a captain's 
commission, and served under Sir Thomas Fairfax ; and at the close of the war his claim against the state was £688 8s. 
He had been under the necessity, from the non-payment of his arrears, of mortgaging his estate to meet his personal 
expences while in active service. His brother, Joseph Eyre, who died unmarried before 1647, had also served in the 
army, and seen considerable service, and his claim against the state was £1,168 13s., which was not paid in 1649. 
Judging from the fact that the mortgage upon Adam Eyre's estate remained unpaid at the time of his death, which 
took place in 1661, soon after the restoration, it may be regarded as certain that neither of these claims had been 
discharged. A similar claim of Captain William Eich, of Bullhouse, against the state, amounting to £700, was not 
paid in 1656; and doubtless never was paid. 

Captain Adam Eyre kept what he styles a "Diurnal of my life," a diary from the 1st January, 1647, to the 27th 
January, 1649, with some slight intermissions. This MS. is in the author's possession, and is in several respects a curious 
document ; but as it was commenced after the war had drawn to a close, it does not supply us with any material records 
concerning its progress. It, however, gives us an insight into the manners, habits, and social condition of the better class 
of yeomanry, to which he belonged. The candour with which he unbosoms his cares, his joys, and his sorrows, renders 
it often not devoid of interest, notwithstanding the great monotony of a rural life. 

It was the intention of the author to have introduced a considerable part of this diary into the present work, but it 
is found that so doing would involve considerable delay in its publication, from the necessity there is to supply local 
information for the elucidation of many parts of it ; and as Mr. Eyre did not reside within the limits of the present 
topographical survey, it does not seem necessary that it should form a part of it. 



o2 



108 



tkrixrrcsjjxjr of Sjrcplctr. 




Chtjech. 

A new church was erected here in 1848, at a cost of £1,500, through the 
influence of several influential inhabitants ; but principally through the 
persevering efforts of the Rev. Richard Collins, the vicar, whose laudable efforts 
in providing spiritual instruction and accommodation for this widely-extended 
parish, is deserving of grateful acknowledgment. It is a neat structure, with a 
small turret at the west end, which contains two bells. It is surrounded by a 
spacious burial ground ; in immediate proximity with which have also been 
erected a neat parsonage and schoolroom. 
The Rev. John Collins, M.A., is incumbent. 

Wesletan Methodist Chapel (New Connexion). 

In 1837 this branch of the Wesleyan body erected a neat chapel in the village, 
at a cost of £650. 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. 
In 1857 a small chapel was built at a cost of £120. 

National School. 
A National school was built in 1854. 

Beitish School. 
In 1834 the principal inhabitants and land-owners in the township erected a 
spacious schoolroom, by subscription, which is conducted on the principles of the 
British and Foreign School Society's plan. 



Colnnsljrp of Sjwtfieg. 109 



There was formerly an old schoolhouse in this village, which was founded in 
1 William III. [1689,] by the Rev. Richard Thorpe, a Presbyterian divine, (who 
had been ejected in 1662), and was then residing at Hopton, being the owner 
of a considerable property in this district. He conveyed the said schoolhouse to 
four of the principal inhabitants of Shepley, in trust, who were to pay to the said 
Richard Thorpe, his heirs and assigns, " the yearly rent of a red rose, if 
demanded," — "to the intent and purpose nevertheless, and upon this express 
trust, that the said schoolhouse shall so continue to be constantly employed for a 
schoolhouse for ever." 

Notwithstanding the benevolent founder's intention, the schoolhouse, many 
years ago, was allowed to fall into decay, and at the present time not a vestige of 
the building remains to mark the site. 

The principal trade of the village about 80 years ago, consisted in the 
manufacture of sale yam. It was spun for warps, and taken on pack-horses 
to Dewsbury market, and sold. The market people were usually assembled 
early in the morning by the sound of a horn, when they proceeded on their way 
together. 

This branch of business led to some of the inhabitants becoming hawkers of 
stocking yam, and as their means increased, they extended their dealing to cloth 
and general drapery. The success of their enterprise stimulated others to follow 
the example. 

This village, about 25 years since, possessed a very humble appearance. The 
change has been remarkable. Its increase of population has been rapid, and its 
progress in manufactures has also been great. 

Shepley was formerly noted for its bull and bear baitings ; and its young men 
obtained some celebrity as players at knor and spell. These sports no longer meet 
with popular favour. 



The enclosure of the Common Lands of this township took place 

in 1826, comprising 220 acres 

The ancient enclosure 1030 



5» 



Total 1250 „ 



CtfmlmtxoTijj Half, in fxixhhnxian. 



The district known as Gumberworth, in the Norman survey, comprises two 
townships, now called Cumberworth, and Gumberworth Half : the former within 
the wapentake of Staincross, and honour of Pontefract, and in the parishes of 
Silkstone and High Hoyland. The latter in the wapentake of Agbrigg, and in the 
Manor of Wakefield, is described in the Domesday survey as " one carucate." 

Cumberworth Half is in two divisions : high and low. The former in the 
parish of Kirkburton ; the latter in the parish of Emley. That portion within 
the parish of Kirkburton seems to have been granted off at a very early period, 
to the " de Shepleys."* A Matthew de Shepley, in the latter years of King 
John, or early in the reign of Henry III., granted these lands for the good of 
his own soul, and that of his ancestors and successors, to the Monks of Roche 
Abbey, who held the same till the dissolution of the monasteries, when they 
were granted off by King Henry VIII. 

In the 16 Elizabeth, [1574,] a parcel of these lands called "Birkhouse," was 
in the possession of Robert Denton, of Tadcaster, yeoman, who in that year sold 
the same to Thomas Bylborough, of Wetherby (in the county of York), yeoman, 
together with "all deeds, charters, evidences, letters patents, escripts, and 
writings," — " as do concerne the said premisses." 

Cumberworth and Cumberworth Half possessed, jointly, rights of common. 
It is, therefore, extremely difficult to define the boundary line of the wapentakes, 
or of the parishes to which these lands respectively belonged. In regard to the 
rectorial tithe of this part of the parish of Kirkburton, we were led to inferf that 
as no modus or annual payment was made when the rest of the parish purchased 
the modus of the trustees of Sheffield Hospital, these lands had been exonerated. 
This is a mistake; when the common lands were enclosed in 1800, an allotment 
was set out in lieu of the modus, to Sheffield Hospital. 

The amount of the ancient enclosed and Common Lands within this division 
is 476 acres. 

* See page 100. t See Rectory, page 57. 



Clrorstrntianfr. 



This township is included in Domesday survey under the name of Cartworth, 
along with Wooldale, Fulstone, and Hepworth, being five townships, containing 
six carucates ; but in the recapitulatio of that record, they are severally named, 
of which Cheteuurde [Cartworth] stands at the head ; they were then returned 
as "Avaste." 

After the Manor of Wakefield had passed into the possession of the Earls 
Warren, doubtless many important changes were effected : and it would seem 
that this township did not long remain a part of the Free Chace of Garhvorth, or 
as it afterwards became designated, Holmfirth, although the townships of Holme, 
Austonley, and Upperthong, had been previously added to it. 

This township differs in one respect from those which have already engaged 
our enquiries. We have seen that the chief lord of the fee had granted off whole 
mils, or townships, to some of his attendants and retainers, who held the 
same by military service, &c. In this township the chief lord seems to have 
granted smaller plots of land in different parts of it, probably to a number of his 
humbler dependants ; perhaps to those who had the care of his Free Chase of 
Holmfirth, close upon which they might reside, and over which they might be 
enabled, from its high and commanding situation, to exercise a degree of 
supervision. These grants were made at a very early period, and for many 
generations several of the families continued to occupy their small possessions, 
as will be hereafter shown. 

In the reign of Edward I., John, the seventh Earl Warren, was found to be 
Lord of Thurstonland. Mr. Hunter informs us that the last Earl Warren, in his 
latter years, appears " to have sought to be on better terms with the church than 
he had been in the busier and more active period of his life, and made, as it 
would appear, a grant of the Eectory of Hatfield to the neighbouring Abbey of 
Roche, in loco penitential, the profits of which were sufficient to enable them to 
add thirteen monks to their foundation." 

This grant was made about 19 Edward III., [1345,] the King having granted 
his licence to John, Earl Warren, to give the Advowson of Hatfield, then valued 



112 ttxmsjjijj of Clntrstonlanu 

at seven marks, to the Monks of Roche Abbey. It is therefore pretty certain 
that the earl must have included other property ; and it does not seem 
improbable that the Manor of Thurstonland, with certain lands, formed a part of 
it, as we find the manor was in the possession of this earl in the reign of 
Edward II., but in that of Edward IV.* it was in the possession of the Monks 
of Roche Abbey ; after which we find they had their steward and resident bailiff, 
as shown by the books of the abbey, " Thomas Green, Steward of Thurstonland- 
cum-membris, 20s. per ami." — "Henry Gillott, bailiff there, also 20s. per ann." 
With the monks it remained until the .dissolution of the monasteries, when, in 
the 32 Henry VIII., this manor and the lands, &c, were granted by the said 
King, by his letters patent, bearing date the 1st March, 1540, "to John 
Storthes, of Shittylyngton, gentleman, (and of Storthes Hall), all his Manor 
of Thurstonland, with all his rights, membres, and appurtenances, &c, late to 
the Monastrye of Roche, and now dyssolved, belonging," &c, " and all other 
messuages, houses, byldyngs, mylnes, granges, londs, tents, meadowes, pastures, 

comens, waters, fysshyngs, lyng, and heth," &c, to hold of the said 

sovereign lord the King, his heirs and successors in cheff, by the suyte of the 
XX part of a knyght's fee, and yelding, therefore, yerly, 20s. to the King's Cort 
of Augmentacon of the revenues of his Crowne," &c. 

The manor remained with the ancient family of Storthes, of Storthes Hall, till 
the close of the reign of Elizabeth, when they alienated the whole of their estates 
in the parish to Mr. Richard Horsfall, who shortly after took up his residence 
there. It is therefore unnecessary here to enter into particulars respecting its 
descent, as this will be shown in connexion with that place. 

This township is principally engaged in agriculture ; although a number of 
mills and factories adjoin upon it, which are employed in woollen and fancy 
manufactures. A large proportion of the cottagers are, however, employed in 
weaving woollen cloth, yet the occupiers of land are almost entirely devoted to 
agriculture. 

At Mytham Bridge, in this township, is an ancient corn mill, at which the 
inhabitants, in "olden time," were required to grind their corn. In connexion 
with it, also, was a fulling mill, where the lord of the manor appears to have 
required clothiers v'dhin the manor, "freeholders and tenants," to full or mill 
their cloth : this unusual custom existed in 1540, in which year John "Walker, of 
Thurstonland, clothier, had conveyed to him from the lord of the manor, certain 

* From the death of the lust Karl Warren (o this period, we find none of the Lords of Wakefield bestowing patronage 
upon the Monks of ltoche Abbey. 



^0krns|}i}j of Chtmsiflttlattfr. 113 

lands, late belonging to the Monks of Roche Abbey. In that conveyance it is 
stipulated in addition to the said customs, " that the said John Walker, or his 
heirs in tyme to come, shall never erect or buyld, nor set up," within the said 
lordship, "any manner of myll or mylnes." Without effecting any perpetual 
legal impediment to John Walker, or the rest of the freeholders in the township, 
it is remarkable that this stipulation has been so far observed that there has never 
since been any other mill erected within this lordship, although the ancient 
customs respecting the grinding of corn and fulling of cloth, have long since 
beeome extinguished. 

The Geajstge. 

The name of this place is sufficiently indicative of its ancient use being connected 
with Roche Abbey, to which it remained appendant until the dissolution of the 
monasteries, when the Manor of Thurstonland, with all the lands belonging to 
this abbey, reverted to the Crown, and were shortly after granted out by the 
King, as stated under the manor. 

This grange possessed a right of stray and pasturage for twenty sheep upon 
the commons and waste lands in the lordship of Shelley, a privilege which, no 
doubt, had been granted to the Monks of Roche Abbey, by one of the early 
lords of Shelley. This estate has descended along with the manor, and now 
vests in C. H. Bill, Esq. 



m 



Cotxtnsjjijj of ^IjwrstonlanjJ. 




Stoethes Hall. 

This is the largest mansion within the parish of Kirktaurton. It is situated on 
a fine richly- wooded knoll, at the north-eastern extremity of the township of 
Thurstonland, and on the banks of a small stream, which divides the townships 
of Burton and Shelley from that of Thurstonland. It is a modern-built mansion, 
plain, but uniform in its exterior, having been erected about 70 years ago, by the 
aunts of the present proprietor, — Charles Horsfall Bill, Esq. When viewed from 
the opposite banks, the house has a very pleasing appearance, surrounded with 
fine timber, which has been allowed to attain a considerable size. There is also 
an extensive sweep of woodland, which stretches in an unbroken line to the west, 
and along the south front into the winding dell below. 

To the west of the mansion are several fine spreading beeches, which have 
attained an unusual size. A little beyond these are a number of fine oaks, which, 
it is much to be regretted, owing to the want of timely thinning, have lost many 
of their lower branches, and are evidently on the decline. It must be admitted, 
too, that a judicious thinning of the timber in the foreground within the vale, by 
affording more variety of light and shade, would add greatly to the effect of the 
scenery. This is the only instance within the limits of my topographical survey, 
where timber has been allowed to become redundant. Alas ! it has been but too 
often the subject of regret and complaint, that timber, which was not only highly 
ornamental to the estate upon which it stood, but also to the surrounding 



CofoiTsljr|j flf Cljitrst0it(anb. 115 

neighbourhood, has fallen beneath the axe, to gratify a penurious craving, or to 
supply the calls of profligate extravagance. 

For more than twenty years this place has ceased to be the residence of its 
owner, for whom it is to be regretted that so singularly pleasing and picturesque 
a situation should no longer possess a charm. It was for many generations the 
residence of a family of very great antiquity, who either derived their surname 
from the place, or gave their own name to the estate ; and although none of these 
ever appear to have taken a higher rank than that of " Gentleman," yet they at 
all time maintained their position in a remarkable degree, forming alliances with 
some of the best families in the country, until they finally quitted the place. 

The Storthes' of Storthes, afterwards called Storthes Hall, appear frequently 
either as principals or witnesses in ancient charters connected with the district. 
I am, however, unable to reduce them to a clear and connected pedigree. The 
earliest mention of them is a Matthew de Storthes, who appears as witness 
to a charter along with Matthew de Scheplay, in the reign of Henry III. The 
next is Robert de Storthes, who was witness to a deed in Edward I.'s reign. He 
seems to have been succeeded by William del Storthes, whose name appears in 
charters dated 1335 and 1339, respectively. But in 36 Edward III., [1361,] we 
find that " Jennet, wief of William Storres," bought the wardship of William de 
Shepley. It is most probable she was of this place, and then widow of the 
aforesaid William, after whom was Robert del Storthes, who was witness to 
charters dated 1384 and 1387. 

A Robert del Storthes also appears as a witness to a deed 5 Henry V., [1416]. 
In the 24 Henry VI., [1445,] Richard Storthes occurs as a witness to a deed. In 
a deed of trust, dated 1448, we find Johanna, the widow of Robert Storrez, 
holding an annuity of seven marks out of the manor and lands of Shelley, 
belonging to Thomas Doddworth, and Elizabeth, his wife, which was to remain 
to the said Johanna, and to her heirs lawfully issuing. 

A charter dated 1479, purports to set forth the consanguinity and descent of 
John Storthes from John de Schellay, the last lord of that surname, viz., that 
the said John Storthes was the son of Thomas Storthes, who' was the brother of 
Henry, the brother of Robert or Richard, who were the sons of Johanna, the 
daughter of Katharine, who was the daughter of John de Schellay, aforesaid. 

The consanguinity of John Storthes with John de Schellay, as stated in this 
deed, it seems probable stood as follows : — 

p2 



116 Ctfbraslji]? at 


&\iux8tanhvfo. 


Katherine, daughter, and probably sole heir : 
of John de Schellay. 


= Doddworth. of Dodworth, near Bamsley. 

1 


i 

Thomas Doddworth, living in 1448.=Elizabeth. 


1 
Johanna, living in 1448. j Robert Storthes, dead in 1448. 


Henry Storthes,'dead in 1479. Robert or Richard, dead in 1479. 


Thomas Storthes.=f Ellen, daughter of Thos. Savile, of Hullenedge, 
in 1456. 


John Storthes, 


living m 1479. 



For a period of sixty-two years we have found no farther mention of the 
Storthes, till in 1541, in the 32 Henry VIII., the King, by his letters patents, 
granted to John Storthes, of Shitlington, but likewise of Storthes Hall, 
Gentleman, — who was probably grandson of the last-named John, — the Manor 
of Thurstonland, together with certain lands, &c., late belonging " to the 
Monastrye of Roche" [Roche Abbey], "now dyssolved." Here we have the 
first indication of the family removing from their ancient inheritance. But in 
the 6 Edward VI., [1551,] Gervas Storthes, of Storthes Hall, Gentleman, 
released by indenture, dated 26th October, to John Kaye, of Dalton, Gentleman, 
for the sum of sixty-four pounds, an annual rent-charge of four pounds, six 
shillings, and eightpence, due to him, his heirs or assigns, issuing out of the 
Manor of Shelley, &c, which he thereby conveyed and assured to the said John 
Kaye, his heirs, &c, for ever. This annual payment out of the Manor of Shelley, 
then due to Gervas Storthes, has an evident reference to the seven marks 
(£4 13s. 4d.), settled on one of his progenitors, as already stated.* The 
discrepancy in these sums might arise from the owner of the Manor of Shelley 
deducting what might then be regarded as the proportionate share of the modus 
due, in lieu of tithe corn and hay. 

In 1573, Gervas Storthes was interred at Kirkburton, where his wife, Elizabeth, 
had been interred the preceding year. They appear to have had a numerous issue, 
most of whom died young. He was succeeded by Thomas Storthes, of Storthes 
Hall, Gentleman, who, by his indenture dated 17 Elizabeth, [1574,] conveyed to 
Arthur Bynnes, of Over Brockholes, one acre of wood, called " Seynt Marye 
Wod :" this had evidently been a part of Roche Abbey lands. 

In 1603, Mr. Storthes was still resident at Storthes Hall ; not long after this 
time the property seems to have been sold, along with the more recently acquired 
Manor of Thurstonland, to the Horsfalls. Thus passed away this ancient family 
from their equally ancient ancestral inheritance, from which time not a trace of 
the name have I found in the parish ! neither have I been able to discover to 
what place they removed, f According to the statement of a local genealogist, 

* See Manor of Shelley. 

t The family of Storthes seems not to have appeared at any of the Herald's visitations, to register their pedigree, or 
receive a grant of arms. 



Cnlunsjuji of Cjrorstnnlanir. 



117 



the Horsfalls, of Storthes Hall, came here from a place called Mankenlioles, in 
the parish of Halifax. I regret my inability to give a more complete account 
of this family ; repeated applications have been made to its present representative, 
but without success. It affords me considerable satisfaction to be able to furnish 
the following pedigree, which, for the most part, has been supplied by the Rev. 
J. Hunter, F.S.A., the able historian of South Yorkshire, whose extensive 
researches and devotedness to topographical enquiry, especially in connexion 
with Yorkshire, have enabled him to render essential service, not only in this 
instance, but in several other important particulars connected with this work. 

We cannot, however, pass unnoticed the name of Captain Eichard Horsfall, 
of Storthes Hall, who took a part in the civil war : joined the royal cause, and 
became " a captain in Sir George Savile's Regiment of Foot." 

In one of Sir William Savile's letters to Major Beaumont, Lieutenant 
Governor of Sheffield Castle, dated September 22nd, 1643, in reply to one of 
Major Beaumont's, he states : — 

" I received your letter of the 17th instant, together with a muster of Captain Horsfall's troope ; and 
I doe desiare him that he will march forthwith, with his troope in Linconshire, to the regiment, and lett 
him send one trooper to the regiment to give them notise of his cumminge. I desiare he speedily march 
with his troope, because theare are but few Captns. with my regiment of Horse : and lett Capt. Horsfall 
carry with him his 'muster roll, sined by yourself and Capt. Hemsworth, and the comissaryes deputy at 
Lincon will make it up."* 

In August, 1644, Captain Horsfall's father died about five weeks after the 
battle of Marston Moor; upon which event he seems to have settled down in 
retirement at Storthes Hall, where he suffered no interruption, as he does not 
appear in the list of compounders for delinquency. He died in 1668, aged 
56 years. 




Horsfall. — Arms: Gu. a 
bezant between three horses' 
heads, couped ar., bridled az. 
Crest: A horse's head couped 



PEDIGEEE OE THE HOESPALLS, OE STOETHES HALL, 
IN THUESTONLAND. 



Eichard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, in Kirkburton. : 
Harl. 4630 f. 296. 



dau. of Mr. Lister, (but in Harl., 1487, it 

stands Alice, dau. of Scarborough). 



Eichard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, Geut.,lord Mary, dau. of John Lewis, of Marr 



of the Manor of Thurstoniand. 
Kirkburton, 13th Sept., 1644. 



Buried at 



Esq., (who died in 1589, a;t. 45 ;j 
by Mary, dau. of Lionel Eeresby, 
of Threbergh. She was buried 
at Kirkburton, 20th Sept, 1641, 
aged 56 years. 



* Mr. Hunter's Hallamshire. 



118 



^otottsljijj jotf Cljursfnnlaittr. 



Mary Horsfall, bap. Richard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall,= 
at Kirkburton, 7th Gent , lordofthe Manor ofThurs- 
Sep. 1607 ; mar. tonland ; was a captain in Sir J. 
Thomas Fenay, of Ramsden's regiment, at the siege 
Fenay, Gent. of Pontefract Castle, in the civil 

war. Was buried at Kirkburton, 
13th Dec, 1G68, aged 56 years. 



Ann, daught. 
of Gervase 
Riccard, of 
Heck, Esq. 



i 

Jno. Horsfall, 
buried 16th 
Jan, 1652. 



s a 



Jane Horsfall, ma. 
Mr. John Kic- 
card, of Heck., 
16th Oct., 1641. 



Susan, w. of John 
Lindley. 



Catherine, w. of 
Cbas. Nettle- 
ton. 



Wm. Horsfall, of Storthes— Dorothy, daughter of John 



Hall, Gent , lord of the 
Manor of Thurstonland, 
intrd. at Kirkburton, Sth 
Feb., 1711, ret, 77 years. 



EUerker, of York, bur. at 
Kirkburton, 21st Oct., 
1667. 



Ann, mar. 1st Mr. 
Tbs. Beaumont, 
of Mil-field, 3rd 
Jan. ,1666. 2nd 
Hy. Stanhope, 
of Leeds, mer. 



Richard and 
Kiccard, 
twins, the 
elder died 
in infancy 



I I I 

Elizabeth, Mary, buried Charles, bur. S 

ba. 24th 23rd Sep., 11th July, 

May, 1646, 1651. 
1646. 



I 
usanna, born 7th 
May, 1654, ma. 
John Barker, of 
Tadcaster. 



Elizabeth, eldest dau., buried John Horsfall, of Storthes Hall,- 
13th Dec, 1678, aged 19 yrs. Gent., lord of the Manor of Thur- 
stonland, died 8th July, 1722, 
aged 62 years. 



William, d. y. Ann, d. y. in 
in 1666. 1666. 



£> -6 Dorothy, m. Mr. Arthur 

« 3 Ingram, of the parish 

2 ■§ of Pontefract, 10th 

(3 July, 1709. 



Richard Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, Gent.,y-Grace Briggs, granddaughter of = Rev. Gudrick Ingram, vicar of Kirby Malzard, 
lord of the Manor of Thurstonland, buried the Rev. Joseph Briggs, vicar Yorkshire, 2nd hus., married at Kirkburton, 
at Kirkburton, 1731. of Kirkburton. Dec. 11th, 1733. 



■William Horsfall, of Storthes Hall, Esq., lord of the Manor= 
of Thurstonland. bap. at Kirkburton, 22nd Scpt. ? 1724, 
died Aug. 2nd, 1780, aged 55 years. 



r 



=Elizabeth, dau ofWm. Beckwith, of Thurcroft, 
Esq., died21st April, 1793, aged 71 years. 



Dorothy, baptised at Kirkburton, 14th 
Sept., 1729. Died unmarried. 



Ingram Horsfall, only son, 
died 17th Nov., 1770, aged 
10 vears. 



r 



i 

Dorothy, married Robert 
Bill, Esq., died 16th 
May, 1792, aged 42. 

; 



Elizabeth, 
died un- 
married. 



Ann, died Grace, mar. George Sut- 
unmar. ton, of Stockton, Esq., 

died without issue. 



Frances, mar. Joseph Scott, of Bads- 
woith, Esq., a Justice of the Peace, 
died without issue. 



Charles Horsfall Bill, Esquire, present lord of the 
Manor of Thurstonland, sole heir to his mother and 
aunts, as co-heiresses of Wm. Horsfall, Esq., their 
father. 



Stocks. 

This place would be quite undeserving of notice were it not for the circumstance 
that its early owners acquired their name of addition from the place, and from 
their appearing in ancient charters, both as principals and as witnesses. 

The earliest mention we have found of the name occurs in a charter dated 1319, 
wherein John de Stockes appears as a witness. 

In a charter dated 1335, John, the son of John del Stockkes de Thurstonland 
granted lands to Adam, the son of Thomas del Cote, of Thurstonland, in " villa 
et infra divisas de Thurstonland," which he held in trust from Robert, the son of 
William de Maresto, for the use of the said Adam. The witnesses were John de 
Shellay, William de Birton, Adam de Helay, William, the son of Hugh, and 
Richard de Thorntclay. 

In another charter of the same year, John del Stokhus (here the name is given 
with a Latin termination), appears again as a witness. 

In a charter dated at Birton, 1384, John de Collerslay, capellanus [chaplain], 
granted to John del Stockys, and Marjorie, his wife, for the term of their 
natural lives, and to their issue, certain lands and tenements "in villa et 
campis de Thurstonland," with which he had been enfeoffed by the said John 
del Stockys. 



An acquittance dated 16th May, 16 Henry VI., [1437,] was given by William 
Hynchcliffe de Scooles, in the parish of Burton, to Adam le Stokkes, and 
Elizabeth, his wife, de Thurstonland, on the payment of 10s., which sum had 
been given by Marjory Thickholyns and Alice Stone, to the said Adam les 
Stokkes, and Elizabeth, his wife, to remain to the use of the said Marjory and 
her executors. Adam Stokkys was also a witness to a charter dated 19 
Edward IV., [1478]. 

The last male heir, Thomas Stocks, of Stocks, appears to have died before the 
2nd of Philip and Mary, [1554,] and to have left two daughters, Alice and 
Margaret, co-heiresses ; at which time they made a division of his estate. Alice 
became the wife of Robert Morton, of Thurstonland, and Margaret the wife of 
William Fairholme, of Tickhill, linen webster. 

The estate appears to have passed shortly after into other hands, as we find a 
"John Lockwood, of Stocks Hows," in 1569. The name of Stocks House 
would imply a superior dwelling. Whatever were its former pretension, it has 
long since disappeared, and given place to a few ordinary farmhouses. 

A part of Stocks appears to have been owned by another family, from a remote 
period, as I find from an ancient charter ; where Matthew, son of Adam Pabus 
de Parnelay, granted to his son John, and to his heirs, lands, &c, at le Stocks, 
in Thurstonland, which Thomas Plandr. de Dalton gave to Adam Fabus, father 
of the grantor. The witnesses to this charter were Elias de Byrton, John 
de Rylay, Adam de Helay, John de Burytwait, and Henry de Byrton. This 
charter, which is without date, was about the latter part of Henry III.'s reign, or 
early in that of Edward I.'s. 

These estates now vest in Charles Horsfall Bill, Esquire, and Thomas Pirth, of 
Toothill, Esquire, and it is not a little singular that, although the former is Lord 
of Thurstonland, yet his lands at Stocks owe suit to the Manor Court of Shelley, 
being held by military services, and three shillings annual rent to the lord. 

We may remark that a collateral branch of the family of Stocks afterwards 
became seated at Wool-row, in the township of Shelley, where the name still 
continues. 

Maesh Hall. 

Whatever were the views of our ancestors with respect to the designation " hall," 
there is now little pretension to the name in this place according to modern 
estimation. The present ancient edifice was erected in the reign of Elizabeth, 
bearing the date "1596" over the door. Though it has since undergone many 



120 Cofonsljijj of Cjjurstnnlimtr, 

alterations and adverse changes : even then it could only be regarded as a 
comparatively humble dwelling. 

The family who had been seated here from remote antiquity, seem to have 
derived their surname from the place. 

In 1319, John del March was witness to a charter. From another charter, 
dated 1335, it would appear Allen de Mercheston granted to William, son of 
Matthew del Merche, the whole of his tenements and lands, &c, called "le Merche 
infra divisas de Thurstonland," with which he had been enfeoffed by Johes del 
Merche. The witnesses were William de Birton, John de Schellay, John de 
Schepelay, Adam de Helay, William del Storthes, Richard de Thorntclay, cler., 
ohu del Stokhus, &c. 

In another charter, John, the son of John le Flemyng de Dalton, grants to 
William, the son of Matthew del Merche de Thurstonland, a parcel of land 
called BlaJceden (with which the said William had enfeoffed him, but for what 
purpose does not appear), lying along Heyghet Blakedun, adjoining Farnelay 
Moor, in Thurstonland, and on the north side the lands of Henry Dobsun, and 
on the south the lands of Thomas Faber. Dated at Thurstonland, XX. day after 
the feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude, 1339. 

In 7 Edward III., [1335,] judgment was given at Westminster, in the case of 
Agnes del Merch, of Thurstonland, complainant, and William del Forest and 
Agnes, his wife, deforciant, of one messuage, two bovates and a half, and six 
acres of land; two acres of wood within Thurstonland and Farnelay Tyas ; the 
said Agnes del Merch to hold the same to her heirs, she paying to the said 
William and Agnes, his wife, twenty marks of silver, on executing a release or 
quit claim from them and their heirs. 

William de Merse appears as a witness to a deed in 1387, and a John de Merssh 
in another of the 8 Henry IV., [1406,] and a William Marshe in another of the 
24 Henry VI., [1445]. By a charter in 49 Henry VI., Richard Mershe, son of 
William Mershe de Thurstonland, granted to his said father lands, &c, in 
Thurstonland, during his father's life. The witnesses were Elias Byrton, 
Esquire, John Beamont, of Almobery, and William Oldfield. But the said 
Richard Mersche in the 19 Edward IV., [1478,] granted to John Ashton, of 
Ashton, Knight, William Oldfield, of Meltham, William Kaye, of Farnelay, and 
Adam Lokkewodde, of Thurstonland, all his lands and tenements in Thurstonland, 
which he had formerly given to his father, William Marshe, in trust for Edmund 
Marsche, son of the said Richard. The witnesses to this charter- are, James 
Coppelay, Adam Stokkys, James Walkare, William Coppelay, and John Marsche, 
all of Thurstonland. 



Cotonsjjxjj of Cjjursiottlanir. 121 

The next record I find of this family is from the parish register, June 
18th, 1568, when Edmund Marshe of Marshe Hall was buried. He must have 
been the son or grandson of the last-mentioned Edmund. He left Henry 
Marsh. 

In the latter part of Elizabeth's reign, or in the beginning of that of James I., 
the Marshes appear to have deserted their ancient residence, and to have built 
and occupied a more commodious and substantial mansion at Hallstead, in 
Thurstonland, where they remained for several generations. 

Here we find Matthew Marsh resident in 1610, under the style of yeoman. In 
1652, by inquisition, Henry Marsh, of Hallstead, was found heir to certain 
lands and tenements in the Manor of Shelley, in right of his wife (daughter 
of Edward Storer, of Stocks), by the death of her brother, Robert Storer, 
without issue. 

In the reign of Charles II. there were Richard and Henry Marsh, of Hallstead, 
the latter of whom died in 1685. Soon afterwards, this estate, with Marsh Hall, 
passed to the Kayes, of Woodsome. 

There is a tradition in the district that a Marsh, of Hallstead, being fond of 
hunting, resorted to the very reprehensible and reckless conduct of hunting and 
killing deer in Woodsome Park, which provoked the indignant baronet to take 
legal proceedings against the offender, and these terminated in the utter ruin of 
Marsh, whose estates were seized ; and in this way, it is said, they were acquired 
by the Kayes. I have met with no authentic evidence on the subject ; but there 
is nothing improbable in the story, as hunting was a very favourite diversion 
among the yeomanry and other classes of these districts, in the pursuit of which 
they were often led into great excesses. 

The estates passed from the Kayes by marriage, along with the rest of their 
large possessions, to the Earl of Dartmouth, in whose descendants they 
still vest. 

Black House. _ 

This ancient messuage was built about the latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, 
by a family named Lockwood, who appear to have been resident in the township 
for several previous generations. 

The name of Made House is a corruption of " Blake :" the lands upon which 
this messuage is built no doubt had been a part of the possessions of the Marshes, 
of Marsh Hall, who possessed a considerable plot of land called "Blakeden:" a 
name which still exists in that immediate vicinity. 

Q 



122 ©ohmsbtjj xrf ^frarsinnlanb. 

The Lockwoods appear to have had their ancient residence at Collersley, in the 
reign of Henry VI., about which time they also acquired property in this 
township. The Lockwoods, of Black House, were in possession of a good estate 
in Thurstonland during the Stuart dynasty, and until the reign of George II. , 
when the last male heir died, and the estate was divided and sold. 

This place is now the property of 0. H. Bill, Esq. 

Manor House. 

This house having been modernised at different times, now possesses but few 
indications of an ancient messuage, except the date, 1616, over a doorway which 
was once the principal entrance, but is now hidden by other buildings from 
observation, 

It was erected by John "Walker, of Thurstonland, who possessed a considerable 
estate here, where his family had been resident many generations. 

The first mention we have found of the name was as a witness to a charter in 
the 21 Henry VI., [1442,] of "John Walkere, of Thurstonland;" and in a deed 
dated 19 Edward IV., [1478,] "James Walkere, of Thurstonland," appears as 
a witness. 

In 1532, John "Walker, of Thurstonland, clothier, obtained a lease from the 
Abbot and Convent of Roche [Roche Abbey], of lands in Thurstonland, given 
under the seal of the monastery. After the dissolution of this monastery, which 
speedily followed, the King granted the manor and all the lands, &c, in this 
township, to John Storthes, of Shittlington, Gentleman, in 1540. In the 
following year, the said John Storthes conveyed by indenture, dated 23rd March, 
to John Walker, of Thurstonland, clothier, and John Walker his son, for the 
sum of one hundred pounds, " one messuage, four score acres of land, sixteene 
acres of meadowe, twenty acres of pasture, and four acres of wodd, &c, in 
Thurstonland," "with commons," &c. The deed stipulates that "John Walker 
and his heirs hold the messuage and lands, &c, of John Storthes and his heirs, 
&c, for ever, by knight's suyte, if the lawe will suffer it ; and if they and their 
heirs must needs hold of the King's grace, his heirs or successors in cheff, then 
they and their heirs to pay at every deth, or change of heir, thirty shyllyngs for 
their releff and also sute yerly to the cort of the seyd John Storthes, and his 
heirs within the lordship of Thurstonland, and to pay yerly to the said John 
Storthes and his heirs, 5s., at the feast of annuncyacon of our Lady and Seynt 
Michel tharchangell, by even porcons." And it further stipulates "that John 
Walker and his heirs, at all tymes as they shall have any cloth redy to be mylled, 



Cfltonsljip of ^jpirstmilanfo. 123 

or any come to be ground, shall exercise and occupy the myll or myllnes within 
the lordship of Thurstonland, if they be truly well and reasonablye sued and 
used; and they to pay for the mylning of the seyd cloth and grynding of the 
seyd come, accordyng after the maner and custome as other freeholders and 
tenants ther do. And that John Walker and his heirs in tyme to come, shall 
never erect, buyld, nor set up, within the said lordship, any manner of myll 
or myllnes." 

John Walker the younger was dead in the 13 Elizabeth, [1570,] having 
left John Walker his son and heir, who was living in the 39 Elizabeth, 
[1596,] and then styled John Walker the elder : having then a son and heir 
of the same name. The said John Walker the elder was, however, living in 
1616, when John Walker the younger had a son Thomas Walker, being his "heir 
apparent." 

The said John and Thomas became parties to a marriage agreement dated 9th 
May in that year, wherein it was agreed that a marriage should be solemnised 
between the said Thomas Walker and Frances, daughter of John Smith, of 
Shepley, yeoman, which was to take place on the 6th June following ; in 
consideration of which marriage, John Smith covenants to pay to John Walker 
the sum of £100 in the dwelling-house of the said John Walker, as follows, — 
"that is, fiftie pounds upon the day of marriage, and the other fiftie pounds 
within one year next after the said marriage : if the said Frances or any issue of 
hers by the said Thomas shall be then living." And that the said John Smith 
shall at the marriage, or within four months next after the same, "decently apparell 
the said Frances, according to her calling and the custome of this countrye ; and 
shall give the said Thomas and Frances, within the said four monthes, one fether 
bed and bedstocks, with bedclothes for the same." The said John Smith also to 
pay to the said Thomas Walker, on the 2nd February, 1617, the sum of thirty 
pounds, if the said Frances or any issue be living. And for reasonable jointure 
and dower for the said Frances, the said John Walker covenants with the said John 
Smith that he shall, within the space of five years next ensuing, "make and 
execute all such reasonable acts, devised in the lawe, &c, as the said John Smith 
and Thomas Walker shall reasonably devise and require for the perfect assuring 
and conveying all the capital messuage and tenements, now divided into two 
messuages, in Thurstonland, now in the several occupations of the said John 
Walker and John Walker the elder, together with the lands, &c, to the said 
Thomas Walker and the said Frances, and their issue." 

Q2 



124 Cotoitsljijj rrf ^{rarst0nlantr. 

At a court baron held at Shelley in 1634, it was presented that John Smith, 
late of Shepley, deceased, held half a bovate of land in Shelley, and that Elizabeth 
Walker and Mary Walker were his proper heirs. 

Thomas Walker had issue — perhaps by a second marriage, — John Walker, 
also styled yeoman, who seems to have been involved in litigation, by which 
it appears that his property suffered some diminution. He died in 1663 : 
will dated December 1st, 1656. He left William his son and heir, who died 
in 1685. 

This ancient messuage, together with the greater part of the lands, were sold 
by Jonas Walker, of Thurstonland, yeoman, and Eneas Walker, his son and 
heir, tanner, to William Uorsfall, of Storthes Hall, Esq., in 1754. 

Over Brockholes, — otherwise Bank End. 

Brockholes is compounded of Bpoc, a badger, and Polh, which signifies a cave, 
den, or hollow in the earth. This answers very much to the character of this 
immediate locality, which is a deep woody ravine, where the badger and other 
wild animals in former ages might find shelter and security. 

There is little in the appearance of this place to attract the attention of the 
observer, except several aged yew trees, which once surrounded this ancient 
messuage : a significant proof of its having once been the seat of a family of 
some respectability. 

It is situated on the eastern acclivity rising out of the vale of Holme, on a 
bold and picturesque knoll, which commands a fine view of the valley below. It 
gave the surname to its ancient owners, who were seated here from remote 
antiquity. 

In the reign of Edward III. we find " John Brockholes" of this place, who 
appears to have been the last of that surname. He granted this estate to John 
Dyson, son of Adam Dyson, of Lynthwayte. 

From a series of evidences we are enabled to give the following account of the 
transaction. 

In a charter dated 1406, " John Dyson granted to William Dyson, his son, a 
tenement with all lands, &c, in Thurstonland, called Over Brockholes, which 
John Brockholes had formerly granted to him. He likewise granted to the said 
William, after the term of his own life, all his lands, &c, in Lynthwayt in 
Crosseland mere," formerly belonging to Adam Dyson, his father. 

There is a still older charter, dated 1387, from Margaret, daughter of this 
Adam Dyson, wherein she granted to her brother John, and Margaret, his wife, 



Cobmsjrip, of Sjntrsioitlantf. 125 

and to the heirs of the said John, all her right, &c., in a messuage, &c., 
called "le Brokholes," in Thurstonland. The witnesses were Willo. de Sheplay, 
Eobto. de Storthes, Johe de Inlay, Willo. de Merse, &c. 

William Dyson granted to William Smyth, capellanus [chaplain], Henry 
Beamond, of Lassels-Hall, Richard Beamond, of Newsam, Richard Beamond, of 
Crosseland, a messuage and lands called Over Brokholes, in Thurstonland, in 
trust, to the use of the said William Dyson and his heirs, &c. Witnesses : 
Johane Byrton, Rico. Storthes, Ade. Stokkes de Thorstanland, Willmo. Marsche, 
Johane Walkare de eadem, et aliis 21 Henry VI., [1442]. 

The next charter is dated 1452, wherein the aforesaid William Smyth, 
capellanus, Henry Beamond, of Lassel-Hall, Richard Beamond, of Newsam, and 
Richard Beamond, of Crosseland, re-grant to William Dyson the said messuage 
and lands at Over Brokholes, which had been vested in them in trust by the said 
William Dyson, to hold to him for life ; with remainder to Alice Katherine and 
Cecilia, his daughters, and their assigns, for the term of twenty-one years, &c. 
Witness : Willmo. Lokkwod de Collerslay, Willmo. Lynthwayte, Thome. Hage de 
Styrhens, Johne Bemond de Crosseland, Johne Lokkewod de Lokkewod, et aliis. 
Dated on the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, 31 Henry VI., [1452]. 

The next transaction appears to be a charter dated 12th September, 1455, 
when William Dyson, of Lynthwayte, granted to William Lokwod de Collerslay 
the messuage, with lands, &c, at Over Brokholes, in Thurstonland. Witness : 
Willmo. Lynthwaite, Thome. Lokwod de Dodmanston, Ric. Crosland, et aliis. 

In three days after, a release was executed by John Herst and Alice, his wife, 
daughter of William Dyson, to William Lokewod, his heirs, &c, of and in all the 
messuage and lands at Over Brokholes ; likewise a release, bearing the same date, 
from Katherine Dyson and Cecilia Dyson, the two other daughters of William 
Dyson. 

In a charter dated 27th May, 14 Edward IV., [1473,] William Lokewode de 
Collersley granted to John Pilkyngton, Knight, John Leeke, Thomas Beamond, 
and Richard Beamond, of Crosland, a messuage and lands at Over Brokholes, in 
trust for the life of the said William ; and at his decease, to Richard Lokewode, 
his son. Witnesses : John Kaye, of Wodesome, William Lynthwaite, William 
Dawson, and others. 

By another charter dated 6th October, 17 Edward IV., [1476,] William 
Dighton, son and heir of Robert Dighton, John Pilkyngton, Knight, Richard 
Wyntworth, Esq., Henry Longley, and Christopher Dighton, trustees for the 
said William Dighton, released to William Lokewod, his heirs and assigns, all 



126 (Tohmsfjt}) of ^Ijursionlanb. 

right, &c, to a messuage and lands called Over Brokholes, in Thurstonland. 
Witness : Thome. Beamont de Whitlay. armigre., Johe. Bradford, Johe. Leeke, 
Thome. Listr., Willmo. Watson, et aliis. For what purpose these transfers were 
made from Lockwood to trustees, and again to Lockwood, does not appear. 

The estate not long after passed from Lockwood to Kay. 

In the 32 Henry YIIL, Richard Kay appeared in the Court of the Lord the 
King, at Heaton [Kirkheaton], to do suit and fealty on being admitted to a 
messuage and lands at Brokholes, in Thurstonland, — his father, Thomas Kay, 
being then deceased, — and paid xvd. fine. 

By an indenture dated 20th March, 3 Elizabeth, [1560,] Richard Kay, of 
Dodworth, in the county of York, Gentylman, sold and conveyed all his right and 
interest, &c, in the messuage and lands at Over Brokholes, being two parts, to 
Arthur Bynnes, of Thurstonland, clothier. 

In the 30 Elizabeth, [1587,] John Hoile, son and heir apparent of John Hole, 
of Holehouse, and Agnes, his wife, in the village of Hyperhome, yeoman, granted 
to John Bynes, son and heir of Arthur Bynes, late of Brokholes, deceased, 
one-fifth part of the messuage and lands called Over Brokholes. In whom 
the other two-fifths vested we have not seen ; but the whole shortly afterwards 
vested in John Bynes, in whose posterity it remained until the death of the last 
male heir. 

The following pedigree will best explain the descent of the Binns, of Over 
Brockholes. 



Arthur Bynnes, of Over Brockholes, 11 
[Bank End J, in Thurstonland, 
clothier, living 3 Elizabeth. 



= Margaret , — was 

living in her widowhood in 
30 Elizabeth. 



John Bynes, of Over Brockholes,= 
yeoman. Marriage aereement 
dated 11th September, 1576. 



=Elizabeth, daughter of Thos. 
Castell, of Wooldale, in 
Holmfirth. 



I . 

John Binns, M.A., incumbent of Mary, daughter of William 

Holmfirth Chapel [church], died Crosley.ofHonley, yeoman, 

in 1046. Marriage settlement dated 

November 17th, 1019. 



I I 

Christian Binns, B A,, incumbent Elizabeth Binns, married 

of Meltham Chapel [church], Anthony Armitage, of 

ordained in 1650. Buried at Thickhollins. 
Kirkburton, 27th June, 1669. 



The two last male heirs in this pedigree deserve some notice. 

John Binns, the son of John Binns and Elizabeth Castell, was at a proper age 
entered at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and took his B.A. degree in 16n, and 
M.A. in 1614. He was appointed to the incumbency of Honley Chapel [Church] ; 
his licence from Archbishop Matthews bears date 2nd May, 1618, where he 



Cflhmsjjip of Cjmrstmtlanfr. 127 

continued about eighteen years, when he resigned on being appointed to the 
incumbency of Holmfirth Chapel [Church], which he held until his death in 1646. 
Not long after his appointment to Holmfirth, he became involved in litigation 
with some of the principal inhabitants of his chapelry, which was kept up more 
or less during the remainder of his incumbency. On the breaking out of the 
civil war, this spirit of opposition became more strongly manifested against him. 
Many of the inhabitants of his chapelry joined in petitioning Lord Fairfax for his 
removal. This was met by a counter petition from some of his congregation and 
friends, who stated that during his ministry at Honley and Holmfirth, they 
regarded his " doctrine as sound, orthodox, and profitable ; and himself in his 
calling, painful ; and in life and conversation, peaceable ; ready to compose 
differences, and to set peace among his neighbours upon all occasions." His 
somewhat sudden death in 1646, brought these differences to a close.* 

Christian Binns was the only son of the Rev. John Binns above-named. He 
was born at Over Brockholes, and after receiving his elementary education, was 
sent to Trinity College, Cambridge : his residence there was during the exciting 
period of the great national struggle of the civil war. He took his B.A. degree 
in 1646. How soon he entered on the ministry after he left college, does not 
appear. It is probable he took up his residence at his paternal estate at Over 
Brockholes [Bank End] ; from which he never removed. He had been ordained 
a deacon, but does not seem to have taken a church : perhaps the very unsettled 
state of the national church contributed to make him undecided in his course. 
He had applied for ordination to Dr. Tilson, Bishop of Elphin, who then resided 
at Suthill Hall, near Dewsbury, from whom many clergymen of the West-Riding 
sought ordination ; " but it had been delayed in consequence of his having to 
take the oath of the King's supremacy," respecting which he appears to have 
had scruples. He, however, on the 3rd of October, 1650, was ordained a 
Presbyter by the Bishop of Elphin, at Emley Church, and was the following 
year appointedto the incumbency of Meltham Chapel [Church], which had 
recently been erected, and which was consecrated on 24th August, 1651, by 
the same bishop. f Mr. Christian Binns continued incumbent of Meltham until 
his death, which took placeat Bank End. He was interred at Kirkburton, 27th 
June, 1669. 

Bank End, otherwise Over Brockholes, — for the ancient name is now forgotten 

* Incumbents of Holmfirth Church. 

t The erection and consecration of an Episcopal Chapel, under the then existing state of the Anglican Church, is 
perhaps unparallcd in the ecclesiastical history of Yorkshire. 



128 CDfamsjjip of ^jmrstonlanu. 

in the district, — owes suit to the Manor Court of Kirkheaton, late parcel of the 
dissolved Hospital, or Preceptory of ISTewland, near Wakefield, belonging to the 
Knights of ;he Order of St. John of Jerusalem, in England. There are also 
lands at Marsh Hall and Black House in this township, which owe suit to 
the same court. The places belonging to this religious order were usually 
distinguished by an iron or wooden cross, fixed at the end or upon the top of one 
of the buildings. 

The Court of St. John's of Jerusalem possessed the right of issuing probate of 
wills within its jurisdiction, being what is termed a "peculiar." The will of the 
Rev. Christian Binns, B.A., the last of the name at Bank End, was proved in this 
court, and probate granted in the 23 Charles II., [1670]. He devised his 
estate to the children of his sister Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Anthony Armitage 
of Thickhollins. 

We may here briefly narrate an extraordinary circumstance which took place 
at Bank End, near the close of the seventeenth century. Some years after the 
death of Mr. Christian Binns, there came to reside at this place the Rev. Edmund 
Robinson, who for several years was assistant minister at Holmfirth, to the Rev. 
John Savile, then incumbent, who died in 1685, when Mr. Robinson was 
appointed his successor. The few particulars we have been able to gather 
respecting this gentleman, — who was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, 
where he took his B.A. degree in 166f, and M.A. in 1670, — represent him as a 
person of a singular mould ; there was an air of mystery in his general behaviour, 
in consequence of which, he was vulgarly supposed to be deeply imbued with 
"the black art." 

His conduct in 1688, on some account, had become very exceptionable, as we 
find it recorded in the parish register under that date, that he was " suspended 
all ministerial offices ;" but wherefore is not stated. 

The annals of Yorkshire can furnish many instances of persons having engaged 
in the dishonest and dangerous calling of "clipping and coining;" but perhaps 
there are few, if any, instances to be found of a person in a respectable sphere of 
life, and a clergyman too, so engaged ; such, however, is the fact with respect to 
Mr. Robinson. He pursued this disreputable course at Bank End, — then a large 
ancient dwelling-house, or hall, since pulled down, and the materials converted 
into three farmhouses. Under this ancient edifice was a large cellar, where he 
carried on his work with great diligence, secrecy, and success, for some years 
without suspicion, by which, as tradition states, "he got a deal of money : people 
knew not how." At length he was suspected, his premises were searched, and 



CMtmsIjijj 0f Cjnttsimrkrtb. 129 

the secret discovered.* He was sent to York Castle, along with his son, then a 
youth about eighteen years of age, who had assisted him, and had beco.ne equally 
proficient in the art. They were put upon their trial, and found guilty : the 
father was accordingly executed ; but the son, by reason of his youth, and 
havmg, as it was alleged, acted under the direction of his father, was reprieved 
and sent to London, where he was employed in the Royal Mint, and tradition 
states that there he remained and acquired an ample fortune. 

The exact period of Mr. Robinson's execution we have not been able to 
ascertain. It appears that the records of the trials and executions at York 
between the years 1674 and 1700, have been lost, from which cause we have not 
been able to derive any information from that source. 

In the office at Wakefield belonging to the Lord of the Manor, an abstract is 
kept of certain lands, &c, in the several graveships within the said manor, which 
at different times have been forfeited to the lord for the time being, in which 
occurs the following entry : — " A cottage and croft in Holmfirth, now in the 
possession of John Lockwood, was forfeited to the lords for that, about 20 years 

agoe, Robinson, clerk, the owner thereof, was convicted for the treason of 

counterfeiting money, and was executed at York, now farmed by the said John 
Lockwood, under the yearly rent of £1 4s." The foregoing document bears no 
date ; but there is little doubt it was made about the time when the last verdict 
by jury was given at a court, to enquire into the rents and evidences concerning 
the graveship of Holme, in the 8 Queen Anne, [1710]. His Grace Thomas, Duke 
of Leeds, being then Lord of the Manor. This would fix the period of the 
execution about the year 1690. 

About seventy years since, in pulling down an ancient barn at this place, some 
coining implements, &c, were discovered, which unquestionably had been 
secreted by one of the Robinsons about the time of their apprehension. These 
subsequently came into possession of the late Mr. Newton, of Stagwood Hill. 

It only remains to be added that the Bank End [Over Brockholes] estate is 
now the property of the trustees under the will of the late Ben Haigh Allen, Esq., 
of Greenhead, in Huddersfield, he having purchased it of the late J. G. Armitage, 
Esq., of Thickhollins. 

* So generally did clipping and coining prevail in the kingdom, that in 1695 an act was passed for remedying the coin 
of the nation, much of which was debased by counterfeits, and diminished by clipping, and a tax was laid upon windows 
to make up the deficiency on its being called in. " About five millions of clipped money was brought into the exchequer, 
and the loss that the nation suffered by the recoining of the money amounted to two millions and two hundred thousand 
pounds." Bishop Burnet's History of his own Time, Svo, 1833, vol. 4, page. 316. 

E 



130 CflfaJitsfrip flf C^ttrstonlaitjEr. 

Episcopal Chapel. 

This chapel was built in 1810, by voluntary subscriptions from the inhabitants, 
among whom were members of the Established Church, Wesleyan Methodists, 
and Independents, and was occasionally used by each ; but was for many years 
occupied by the Wesleyans. 

The original trust deed stipulated that the liturgy of the Church of England 
should be read in the morning service. 

Owing to some differences among the trustees, it was ultimately decided by a 
majority, in 1834, to put the chapel under the patronage of the Vicar of 
Kirkburton, with whom it has since remained. 

In connexion with the chapel is a Sunday school. 

In Memory of Margaret Walsh, wife of the Rev. T. H. Walsh, minister of this church, who departed 
this life January 18th, 1852 ; aged 32 years. 

Jonas Walker, of Thurstonland, died 21st June, 1822 ; aged 36 years. Deborah, his wife, died 2nd 
March, 1856 ; aged 73 years. 

John Walker, of Ackroyd, in Thurstonland, died April 17th, 1830 ; aged 53 years. Mary, his wife, 
died January 31st, 1855 ; aged 77 years. 

Edwin Walker, of Huddersfield, died August 21st, 1858; aged 56 years. 

Caroline Isabella, wife of Stephen Washington, of Thurstonland, who died 30th November, 1849 ; 
aged 33 years. 

Jesse, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Gill, who died 10th June, 1846; aged 21 years. 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. 

After the Wesleyan party withdrew in 1834, they proceeded to erect a chapel 
of their own, which they accomplished in 1837. They have since erected 
schoolrooms ; the whole at a cost of £590. 

Charity School.* 
Ann Ludlam, by will dated 15th April, 1763, bequeathed £300, and also the 
residue of her personal estate, to be laid out by Thomas Hurst, her executor and 
trustee, in establishing a school, and providing for a salary to a schoolmaster for 
teaching the poor children of the township of Thurstonland : such schoolmaster 
to be chosen by her said trustee and his heirs, and the principal inhabitants of 
the township. 

The produce arising under the bequest, amounting in the whole to £500, lias 

* Charity Commissioners' Report. 



Cflfonsjnjj of Cj)ursi0ttIattb\ 131 

been laid out on a mortgage of the tolls of the Wakefield and Austerland turnpike 
road, in the names of trustees, at interest £5 per cent. 

A dwelling-house and schoolroom were erected by subscription of the Lord of 
the manor and the inhabitants, and in respect thereof, an allotment of 2a. 1e. 23p. 
of land was awarded on the enclosure in 1801. 

The school is under the management of seven trustees, chosen from the 
principal inhabitants, and is conducted by a master who receives the interest of 
the money secured on mortgage, and occupies the school premises and allotment 
rent free. 

The school is free for instruction in reading to all children in the township, and 
the scholars are taught to write for a small quarterage. They are admitted to 
the school on application to some of the resident trustees. 

The enclosure of the Common Lands of this township took place 

in 1801, comprising 497 acres 

The ancient enclosed lands 1553 „ 

Total 2050 



r2 



%\i Jfrec Cljast d falmfixfy, — otherwise tjjc (Srabcsbip of Holme. 



This district, now generally known as the Graveship of Holme, comprises seven 
townships, viz. : — Holme, Austonley, Upperthong, Wooldale, Fulstone, Hep worth 
and Cartworth, and was anciently a Free Chase of the Earls "Warren. 

That there was a chase here before the Norman conquest, when it formed part 
of the possessions of Edward the Confessor, or even earlier, does not admit of a 
doubt. At the time of the Domesday survey the Manor of Wakefield, of which 
this is parcel, remained in the possession of the Conqueror : that record states, 
"this manor [Wakefield] was in the demesne of King Edward." It remained 
in the possession of the Crown till granted off to William, the second Earl 
Warren. 

Notwithstanding the great antiquity of this chase, it appears to have undergone 
not only a change of name, but also of boundary, soon after the conquest ; in 
confirmation of which we must again appeal to the Domesday survey, which, in 
describing the lands belonging to the soke- of Wakefield, among others it states 
" Amelie [Emley], three carucates ; Chetenurde [Cartworth], six jcarucates ; 
Bertone [Burton], three carucates ; Seppeleie [Shepley], two carucates ; Scelneleie 
[Shelley], one carucate; Cumbrenurde [Cumberworth], one carucate," &c. ; 
these are returned "waste." The six carucates in Cartworth unquestionably 
refer to the chase ; but in the recapitulatio of this record it states, " In 
Chetenurde [Cartworth], Heppenurde [Hep worth], Vluedel [Wooldale], Fugellstun 
[Fulston], and Tostenland [Thurstonland], the King, six carucates." These five 
townships were comprised in the above-mentioned six carucates, as stated under 
Cartivorth, winch is thus recognised as the head of a territory or district. 

The etymology of Cartworth appears to be a compound of British and Saxon : 
Kert, a camp or fortification, and Worth, a residence, which would seem to 
imply a principal residence ; where, perhaps, the lords of the fee took up their 
abode when partaking of the sports of the chase. 

There is another circumstance which may be mentioned in connexion with this 
hypothesis. Within the township of Cartworth is a small hamlet called Arrendev, 
situated on the west side of the Ribbleden valley, which, notAvithstanding its high 



Cbrabesbip of jjolme. 133 



situation, is surrounded by lands much sheltered by the adjacent hills. This name 
closely resembles, and probably is identical with, Erringden, in the forest of 
Sowerbyshire, in the parish of Halifax, and seems to have had a similar origin. 
Thus Mr. "Watson suggests its derivation from the Anglo-Saxon " Erian, to plow, 
to till, or eare ;" and this name it might acquire when it was enclosed as a park, 
as being expressive of the chief purpose for which it was enclosed; for the country 
to a considerable extent being a forest, and stored with beasts of various kinds, 
for the purpose of hunting, there could not be much corn grown where these had 
liberty." There seems great probability that this derivation is the correct one ; 
and it appears to agree with the purposes to which Arrenden in Cartworth would 
be employed in relation to the hunting residence of its early lords : having probably 
been chosen to provide hay and corn for the deer and other beasts of the chase, 
during the severe winter months, when nearly all other sources of food would be 
cut off. Supposing, therefore, Cartworth to have been the occasional residence 
of the early lords of the fee — which is thus supported by what may be termed 
collateral evidence, — it seems not improbable that this ancient residence was 
situated near the knoll of the hill, not far from the spot where Cartworth House 
stood, and which, from its commanding situation, would render it an eligible site, 
having the Arrenden Park, or enclosure, immediately below. 

With respect to the boundary of the chase at the time of the Norman survey, 
the statement given in that record is clear and explicit. The three other 
townships in this graveship — or, as recorded in Domesday, four, — were not 
mentioned in connexion with the foregoing, and consequently did not form a 
part of the chase at that period ; but after enumerating Bretton, Horbury, and 
Ossett, it states, " besides these there are to be taxed two carucates in Holne, 
and another Holne, Alstaneshei [Austonleyj, and Thoac [Thong, now called 
Upperthong] : one plough may till this land : it is waste. "Wood here and there. 
Some say this is Thaneland; others, in the. soke of Wakefield:" therefore it is 
evident that these lands at that period were not held in connexion with those 
of Cartworth, &c., but were in the possession of a Saxon Thane, and were 
held under a superior tenure, until they came into the possession of the 
Conqueror. 

It may be farther noticed that though the township of Thurstonland was 
comprehended by Domesday under Cartworth (as we have already shown), it 
appears to have been severed from them at a remote period, for the Norman lords 
of the fee granted off lands there to some of their humbler dependents, who 
probably might have the care of the chase. These were free tenants, while 



134 gxu Cjrass of Ifolmftrifr, 



those of the graveship were copyhold tenants, who held their lands by copy 
of court roll. The prominence, therefore, given to Oartworth in Domesday, 
and the fact that the name of Holmfirth does not appear in that record, together 
with the reasons here assigned, seem to establish the conclusions at which we 
have arrived. 

Without indulging in fanciful speculation, we may infer from the name 
Holmfirth, or Wood of Oak, which this district or chase acquired after the Domes- 
day survey, that its valleys were then thickly covered with wood, and that the 
acclivities and open plains were here and there studded with fine spreading 
timber, interspersed with coppice and hazel; while in the sheltered and more 
favored spots, the fine green luxuriant herbage became the inviting repast of the 
red and fallow deer, the roe, and hare. Higher up along the ridges, where now 
a tree is scarcely to be seen, were then wide-spread patches of " wood here and 
there;" while the highest ground, where now there is nothing but heath and bog, 
was then thickly covered with birch, scarcely acquiring the dimensions of trees,* 
but forming a close cover of bushwood, affording protection and shelter to the shy 
and more retiring beasts of the chase.f 

At the time of the Norman survey the Manor of Wakefield was valued 
at only £15, though previously estimated at £60. This shows the great 
devastation which had been committed by the Conqueror within the precincts 
of this manor. 

Who can contemplate without horror William's rapacity, in the following 
account : — " The Conqueror, in 1078, gave orders to lay waste the fertile lands 
between the Humber and Tees, for the extent of sixty miles. Many flourishing 
towns, fine villages, and noble country seats were accordingly burnt down, the 
implements of husbandry destroyed, and the cattle driven away." The great 
Lord Lyttleton, speaking of these devastations, and those occasioned by the 
forest laws, observes that, " Attila no more deserved the name of the scourge of 
God, than did this merciless tyrant ; nor did he, nor any other destroyer of 
nations make more havoc in an enemy's country, than William did in his own." 

From a manuscript account of the Manor of Wakefield, compiled apparently 
upwards of 200 years ago$ — in the possession of H. Lumb, Esq., of Wakefield, — 

* This is indicated by the great abundance of decayed birchwood which is now to be found in the bog earth, on some 
of the high grounds. 

t The wild boar had its favourite retreat here, as still preserved in the* name, " Wildboar Clough," near to the 
Bosliaw Reservoir. 

t This MS. may have been a part of the manuscript collections made by Mr. Leeke, (see note, page 46), or perhaps a 
transcript of a part of them. 



or fcrneship of ||ota. 135 



is the following passage : — " It is manifest by diverse records, that the townes 
under the leet at Halifax, were sometimes called Forresta de Sowerbie, and the 
inhabitants, homines de Sowerbyshire ; and that there were courts kept at 
Sowerby many years together, and it is by many records called Manerium de 
Sowerby, &c. ; and the townships under Burton leet are likewise called Forresta 
de Holme, alms Holmfirthes ; but the courts thereof were always kept at 
"Wakefield." " Unfortunately," as Mr. Lumb justly observes, " the compiler does 
not give the date of any roll or record showing where Holme is called a forest." 
It is singular that the townships under the Burton leet were called Foresta de 
Holme, alias Holmfirth, when, as we shall soon see, Earl Warren claimed free 
chase in Holmfirth only; we may, therefore, dismiss this part of the question as 
unsupported by any sufficient evidence. It is not, however, improbable that the 
term forest may have been used in relation to Holmfirth, as in the case of the 
Forest of Sowerby, which was only a free chase. "But perhaps a free chase," 
says Mr. Lumb, " was near akin to a forest, and that these lands might popularly 
be considered as such." 

In the following extract of Tnspeximus of the Quo Warranto, 7 Edward I. 
[1278,] we find that John, Earl de Warrenne, claimed " Liberam Ghaceam " in 
"Holnefirth," among other places therein named. He also claimed to have free 
warren as well in his fees as in his demesne lands, which he had of ancient 
tenure. He then refers to a charter of Henry [HI.]* father of Edward [I.], 27th 
January, 37 A. Regin, by which the King granted him free warren in all his 
demesne lands which he then had, or which he should acquire. 

Respecting this chase as such, we possess few evidences calculated to gratify 
the curious concerning its management, either as regards the appointment of 
the officers who had the care of it, or the strictness or otherwise with which it 
was preserved. It seems by the following entry in the court rolls at Wakefield, 
that it suffered from occasional trespass ; for in 1306, at a court of the Manor of 
Wakefield, held at Burton, on Wednesday after the octaves of Easter, 9 Edward, 
son of EdAvard [i. e. Edward II.] the jury presented " that John de Dalton, vicar 
of Braythewell, several times forcibly entered the free chase of the Lord Earl de 
Warren in Holnefirth armed, and killed, seized and carried off the game of the 
said earl, and assaulted the men of the said earl there present, and with his 
arrows shot and wounded them ; for which he was ordered to be arrested.* 

At a court held at Burton 23rd October, 15 Henry VI., [1436], under the title 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. I, page 134. 



136 tfrce Cbase of ^alm&xfy, 

"Holme," there appears in the court rolls "a presentment for entering the 
warren of the lord and killing hares," &c, within the township of Hepworth. 

In the reign of Edward III., we are furnished with another glimpse of the 
chase of Holmfirth, arising out of the feud of Elland of Elland Avith Lockwood 
of Lockwood, Beaumont of Crosland, and others.* After that lawless tragedy, 
Lockwood sought retirement. He had remained some time about Ferry Bridge, 
but passing thence to Cannon Hall, he casually met with two young gentlewomen 
of his kindred, as they were travelling from Lepton to Whitley, who informed 
him that diligent search was being made after him by the sheriff and his men, 
&c, and therefore advised him to go directly to Crosland Hall to Adam Beaumont, 
where he might live safely and hunt ivith him and other gentlemen both the red and 
fallow deer, at Hanley [Sonleif] and Holmfirth. 

At what period the term " Graveship" came to be applied to this chase, we are 
unable to determine; but is is unquestionably of great antiquity. The word 
Grave (prepositus in Latin deeds) is probably derived from the Anglo-Saxon 
Eepepe or the German Graf: an officer, whose duty it was to coEect the lord's 
rents, &c. 

Considerable portions of waste or demesne lands have been enclosed here at 
different times from a remote period, by consent of the lord of the manor for 'the 
time being, which were brought into cultivation by the tenants, who were allowed 
to occupy and enjoy them, and which likewise were allowed to pass under the 
same tenure, and subject to the rents and fines in like manner as the more 
ancient copyhold lands, &c. 

When Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne, the entire graveship was of 
copyhold tenure ; but in the eighth year of her reign she, by letters patent, 
under the seal of the Dutchy of Lancaster, dated 9th October, [1565], granted to 

* As part of this tragical scene lay along the banks of the river Holme, and within a short distance of the district 
upon which we have undertaken to write, it may not be out of place to introduce here a very brief sketch of it, as given 
by Dodsworth in his MSS., more than 200 years since. 

" Sir John Elland of Elland was a man of great account, and high steward to the Earl Warren of the Manor of 
Wakefield, and other lands in the north parts. He was Lord of Elland, Tankersley, Fulbridge, Henchfield, and 
Ratchdalc ; and being Sheriffe of Yorkshire, he slew Robert Beaumont in his own house at Crosland Hall, 24 Edward III., 
and was himself slain by the said Robert Beaumont's sons, as he came from keeping the sheriff's turn at the Manor of 
Brighousc. And not long after the said Beaumonts slew the said Sir John Elland's son and heir, as he came over Elland 
Mill-dam to church, on Palm Sunday morning, — there being at that time no bridge. This appcareth by evidence and 
pedigrees in the keeping of John Armitage, of Kirklees, Esquire ; and they have a play and song thereof in the country 
still. The quarrel was about the Earl of Lancaster and the Earl Warren, that took away the Earl of Lancaster's wife, 
there being a man slain of the Earl Warren's party in a hurly-burly betwixt the said lords for that matter. Elland came 
to search for the murderer in the said Beaumont's house— who belonged to the Earl of Lancaster, — and slew him in his 
own hall, as aforesaid." 

The ballad is given in the Histories of Halifax, by Watson Crabtree. 



ox (Srafxesljijj of ^olmn. 137 



the Right Honorable Robert Earl of Leicester, divers lands, &c, being parcel of 
the waste or demesne land of the Manor of Wakefield, amounting to 536 acres, 
which the said earl shortly afterwards granted to Sir Thomas G-argreave and 
Henry Saville, Esq., who sold the same in small parcels to the copyholders of the 
manor.* A considerable part of the lands comprised in this grant lay within 
this graveship. 

Soon after James I. came to the throne, processes were instituted against those 
tenants of the Crown whose titles to their estates were not perfectly secure; 
among the rest the copyholders of the Manor of Wakefield were called in 
question respecting their fines and the customs of the manor, upon which 
inquisitions were held in the several graveships within the manor. That 
in relation to this graveship was held in Holmfirth Chapel [Church], before 
a jury sworn to enquire into certain articles ministered to them by his Majesty's 
commissioners. We here give, from a series of MS. evidences, the following 
epitome of the transactions which took place on that occasion, and of the 
arrangements entered into by the copyholders with the King, together with the 
final settlement ; by which the fines paid on demise or otherwise were rendered 
" small and certain," and not contingent on the will of the lord. 

It is recorded that " the second day of meeting was appointed for the jury to be att Holmfirth Chappell 
of Tuesday, being 1st May, 1607, by eight a clock in the morning. 

At which day before X a clock did mett of the jury these persones : — Mr. Nettleton, Thomas Morton, 
Robert Hepworth, Richard Matthewman, James Greene, William Royds, Thomas Tyas, John Beaver, 
William Moorhouse, of Ebson House, James Bray. 

Against which day the Greave did command all the inhabitants of Austonley, to appear the tyme 
above said, and bring their copyes and shew them there to the jury. 

At which tyme the depute Greave did appear and certify yt he had given commandment accordingly, 
but never a man appeared to shew their copyes. f Shortly afterwards, Sir John Brograve, Kt., Attorney- 
General of the Dutchy of Lancaster, exhibited an information in the Dutchy Court against divers tenants 
and copyholders within the Manor of Wakefield, alledging that whereas the King and his progenitors had 
for a long time been lawfully seized in his and their demesne, as of fee of the said manor, in right of the 
Crown of England, within the precincts of which manor the graveships of Wakefield, Stanley, 
Alverthorpe, Thorns, Sandal, Horbury, Ossett, Sowerby, Hipperholme, Holmfirth, Scammonden, and 
Rastrick, being members and parcel of the said manor. The greatest part of these lands, &c, had from 
time immemorial been demised and demisable by copy of court roll at will, in fee simple or fee tail, or for 
term of life or lives at the will of the lord, according to the custom of the manor for fines uncertain and 
arbitrable at the will of the lord." 

* The acre described in this grant is stated to be 80 yards in length and 40 yards in breadth, which is little more than 
two-thirds of the statute acre. 

t Nearly all the large copyholders of the graveship appeared, and produced their copies of court roll. 

S 



138 Jfrce €km oi J ulmfirtjr, 

" The said copyholders had time out of mind used in the court of the said manor, by way of surrender, 
to grant rents out of their copyhold tenements, for which the lord had a sum of money in the name of 
a fine, for his assent to be assessed or taxed by the lord or his steward at pleasure. And further alledging 
that the defendants had combined together to defraud the King." — " That there were divers parts of the 
waste of the said manor which were demesne, and had not been demised or demisable by copy of court 
roll, till of late that some part thereof, by commission or by the stewards, had been granted and improved 
as if the same had been ancient copyhold or customary lands : the tenants thereof making like claim for 
the certainty of the fines thence arising." 

To which information the defendants appeared, and confessed that his Majesty was lawfully seized in his 
demesne as of fee in right of his Crown, or his Dutchy of Lancaster, in the said Manor of Wakefield ; 
and that the graveships above-mentioned were within the precincts of the said Manor. 

The greatest part of the lands in the said graveship are, and from time immemorial have been, 
copyhold, and demised and demisable by copy of court roll in fee, fee tail, or otherwise. The said 
copyholders had used from time immemorial, in the court of the said manor, by way of surrender, to grant 
rents out of their copyhold tenements ; and further, that the fines to be paid on every grant and 
admittance to the said copyhold land, &c, were not uncertain and arbitrable at the will of the lord, but 
certain, viz. : — every admittance by surrender or descent to any estate of inheritance in possession, a 
year's rent and half, according to the rent paid to the lord for the lands to which the admittance is made ; 
for a messuage without lands, 4d. ; for a cottage, 2d. ; and for every such grant of rent as aforesaid, 20d. 
for every twenty shillings rent so granted ; and according to that rate for any greater or lesser sum. 
And on any admittance to any estate for life, lives, or years, in possession or reversion, or to any estate 
of inheritance in reversion depending on such particular estates, half so much as is before-mentioned to be 
paid on the said admittance to estates of inheritance in possession ; and on admittance after seisures 
accustomed there to be made for bettering of assurances, three years' rent, according to the rent paid to 
the lord, or his steward for the time being, ought to admit every person to whom any of the said copyhold 
premises should come by descent, surrender, or otherwise ; or who should give or commit cause of seisure 
for bettering of assurances, or to whom any such grant of rent should be made as aforesaid, for such 
certain fine and rate as above-mentioned. They acknowledge that divers parcels of waste ground of the 
said manor had been inclosed by virtue of several commissions, and other lawful authority, and improved 
for the greater benefit of the lord thereof; and that the said parcels of waste after such improvement, had 
been granted by copy of court roll for certain yearly rents, customs, and services, as had been usual, and 
had passed by surrender, descent and otherwise, as the ancient copyhold premises had passed ; and that 
the lord had been duly answered of such fines, &c, as in the case of ancient copyhold estates ; and that 
the defendants and their ancestors had disbursed great sums of money in taking and purchasing, as well 
as building on and fencing the same.* In consideration of which, they prayed that their several lands, 
&c, parcel of the said waste held as above, might, by favour of the court, be judicially and finally 
declared and decreed to be lawfully devised to them, according to the custom of the manor on such certain 
yearly rents as already stated, or such other reasonable fines as the court should think meet," &c. 

An information was also exhibited against the said copyholders by Sir Henry Hobart, Kt., Attorney- 
General to the Exchequer Court. 

After which, the said copyholders preferred their petition to the King, setting forth that their estates 

* The crown lawyers secin to Lave discovered, or fancy they bad discovered, that these new lands or new improvements 
could not be claimed by custom or prescription to be copyhold, which constituted the basis of copyhold tenure. 



0r (Srafoesjjip of Joints. 139 



and customs were likely to be impeached, and praying that his Majesty would be pleased to give warrant 
to the Lord Treasurer of England, the Chancellor of his Majesty's Court of Exchequer, the Lord Chief 
Baron, and other Barons of the same court, and also the Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, for 
confirmation of their estates by copy of court roll, if the said parcels of waste for ever to be enjoyed by 
the petitioners, their heirs and assigns, as ancient copyhold lands of the said manor, for the usual yearly 
services, rents, and customs paid and done for the same ; and for establishing the certainty of the fines as 
aforesaid. That the same might be decreed by the said courts, and that those decrees might be confirmed 
by Act of Parliament, in consideration of which they offered to his Majesty as much money as would 
amount to 35 years' rent of all the rents then paid, &c. : amounting to the sum of five thousand four 
hundred pounds, eight shillings, and sixpence halfpenny farthing half-farthing. 

The offer was accepted. Whereupon the King's letters of privy seal were directed to the Lord 
Treasurer of England, the Chancellors of the Exchequer and Dutchy of Lancaster, &c, signifying that 
for establishing the certainty of the above fines, his Majesty did grant his royal assent that such a bill as 
above-named should pass both Houses of Parliament ; and that in the meantime authority should be given 
to the Lord Treasurer, and Chancellors of the Exchequer and Dutchy Courts, to make orders and decrees 
in their respective courts, agreeable to the petition, — which was made accordingly. These were likewise 
confirmed by Act of Parliament, 12 James I., [1613,] entitled " An act for confirmation of several decrees 
made in the Court of Exchequer Chamber and Dutchy Chamber, between the King's Majesty and 
divers copyholders of his Majesty's Manor of Wakefield, in the county of York." 

From an original parchment, purporting to be " A true and perfect Rentall of all the Copyhoulde 
rentes of all and ev'ie Copyhoulders and Ten'nts hereafter named, who have subscribed to the Composi'ion 
and Agreement made with his Majt'% for reducinge of the Fynes of theyr Copyhould landes and ten'ntes 
within the Manor or Lordshippe of Wakefelde, in the county of Yorke, into certeyntie, as the same have 
bene p'sented unto us, Henry Savile, Knight, Robt. Kaye, and William Ramsden, Esquiers, and John 
Midgley, Gent., by virtue of his Majties Commission to us and others forth of his Maties Court, of his 
Highnes Dutchie of Lancaster, at Westmr. directed, by the Oathes of Henrye Hynchliff, George Tyncker, 
Humfrey Charlesworth, Edmond Eastwood, John Tynker, of Holmehouse, Thomas Roebuck, Willm. 
Broadheade, John Castell, Thomas Littlewood, Humfrey Crosland, John Charlesworth, Thomas Braye, 
George Charlesworth, John Byns, John Grene, John Earnshawe, Willm. Kay, and John Morehouse, the 
three and twentieth day of October, and the thirde day of November, in the yeares of his Matie reigne of 
England, France, and Ireland, the eight, and of Scotland the Foure and Fourtieth, Ano: Dom: 1610." 

Then follow the names of seventy-five persons holding " lands and tenements," to each of which is 
added the annual amount and rent for which their lands were compounded ; at the end of which 
list is a number of names of persons (compounders) in Scammonden, Wakefield, Sandal], Sowerby, and 
Hepperholme. • 

The document is signed by Robt. Kaye, Willm. Ramsden, and John Midgley, the last of whom was 
Deputy-Steward of the Manor. 

Appended to this is a smaller parchment, entitled " An addition of the names 
and rentes of such Copyhoulders as compounded before us after the ingrossinge 
of the Booke whereunto the Schedule is annexed." 

This list contains twenty-five names of persons " with lands and tenements" in 
the graveship of Holme with the fixed annual rent as aforesaid. This is signed 

s2 



140 gxu Cljasc joI IfMmfirijr, 



only by "John Midgley." There were, however, several copyholders who refused 
to compound for their lands at that time ; some were compounded for at 
subsequent periods, and a few still remain uncompounded. 

The whole annual rent due to the King arising from these copyhold lands 
within the graveship of Holme, compounded for under this deed, amount to 
£32 Is. lid. 

A further enfranchisement of waste lands took place in the 24 Charles II., 
[1671,] when Sir Christopher Clapham, of Uffmgton, Knight, in the county of 
Lincoln (then Lord of the Manor of Wakefield), and Dame Margaret, his wife, 
by • their indenture bearing date 6th July, for the considerations therein 
mentioned, did " grant, bargain, and sell, enfeoffe and confirme unto Thomas 
"Whiteaker, of Thornhill, in the county of York, Gentleman, and John Siddall, of 
Stanley, in the said county, yeoman, their heirs and assigns for ever, all those 
lands, grounds, parcells of land, tenements, and buildings, &c, lately taken and 
enclosed from the wastes of the commons lying and being within the graveship 
of Holme, at Holmfirth, in the said Manor of "Wakefield." A schedule of these 
lands Avas appended to the said grant. The said Thomas Whiteaker and John 
Siddall shortly afterwards sold all the said lands to the freeholders and 
copyholders. These, together with the lands formerly granted by Queen 
Elizabeth to the Earl of Leicester, constituted the whole of the freehold lands 
in the graveship, except the grant made by King James I. of the Soke Mills, &c, 
which we shall hereafter have occasion to mention. 

The last verdict by jury, summoned by the Steward of the Manor, at a court 
to enquire into the rents and evidences concerning this graveship, was held at 

The jurors were Jonas Kaye, James Earnshaw, Luke Wilson, John Newton, Philip Bray, Humphrey 
Roebuck, John Tinker, Jeremy Kaye, Daniel Broadhead, Joshua Newton, George Hirst, John Whitehead, 
Joshua Dixon, Richard Crosland, and Henry Jackson, being freeholders and copyholders within the said 
graveship of Holme, &c. 

It was found that there were sixty-one greaves, who paid £61 15s. 5|d., &c. 

After revising the grave roll, they subscribed the following declaration : — " We, ye Jury sworn for the 
lord of the Manor of Wakefield abovesaid, upon our Inquiry into the old Rentalls and Evidences 
concerning our said Graveship of Holme, find and present yt there are 61 Graves within our said 
Graveship and yt ye persons abovesaid, under their several numbers, ought to serve ye office of Grave in 
their respective turns, for their Lands and Tenements there men'ioned, and have helpers which are there 
set down under the same number for their Lands and Tenements there also men'ioned. And that those 
persons under ye number one do serve ye office for this present year, beginning at Michaelmas last; and 
ye rest successively as they follow in their numbers. And yf ye respective rents under every number are 
due and payable yearly to the lord of the said manor." 



ax (£rab*sjjip of ||ota. 141 



NewmiH, in Holmfirth, by adjournment, the 25th day of May, in the 8 Anne, 
[1710] : his Grace Thomas, Duke of Leeds, being then Lord of the Manor. 

The graveship comprises about 15,920 acres ; and the following record of its 
boimdary is stated to have been taken in the reign of Henry V. 

" Beginning at Mytham-brigg so to Mear-hill, Rough-law, Kirk-lydgate, Smithroyd-head, Hacking- 
bank, Piper-well, Windmill-stone, Burnt Cumberworth, Liginstone, Broadstone, Blackstone-edge-fore, 
Salterway, Mearthome-cross, Thuskenholes, Hare-law, Fincb-edge, Dodroyd-edge, Cocker-edge, Harden- 
hill, Sty-gate, Ottership ; up Dead-edge, as the rain flows each way ; so to Wikehead, Wikefoot, and up 
Salterbrook -water to Riddlepit ; so in a line to Wicken-edge ; from thence up Holme-moss, as the rain 
falls each way to Holme-clough, Ring-hole-slacks, Armfield-stye, Rough-round-hill, Harden-hill, Wolf- 
stones, and Bordmans-fore, to Mytham-brigg aforesaid." 

"In such wild and open country," observes Mr. Hunter, "there must have 
been frequent disputes respecting boundaries, and great necessity to keep up, as 
far as possible, the recollection of the ancient metes." 

It appears by the hundred roll that the Earls Warren had encroached upon 
Thurlstone ; the jury returning that " the Earl of Warren had appropriated to 
himself warren at Thurlstone for sixteen years past : they knew not by what 
warrant." 

When the freeholders of the township of Thurlstone were about to enclose 
their waste lands, a dispute again arose respecting their boundary.* 

In 1828 an act was obtained for enclosing all the common and waste lands 
within the graveship of Holme. All mines and minerals being reserved to the 
Lord of the Manor. 

The commissioners appointed by the act to carry out its provisions were 
Thomas Bradley, of Richmond, Gentleman, and Frederic Robert Jones, of 
Huddersfield, Gentleman. The surveyors appointed were William Bingley, of 
Wombwell, Woodhead, Gentleman, and Thomas Dinsley, of Huddersfield, 
Gentleman. 

The commissioners were empowered to make roads over the commons and 
waste lands, and to sell such portions of the said lands for defraying the cost of 
obtaining the said act, together with all other expenses connected with the said 
enclosure in carrying out and completing the same, by the said commissioners 
who were to execute their award. 

One-sixteenth part of the residue of the commons (after the payment of all 
expences), was to be set out and awarded to the Lord of the Manor. To the Vicar 
of Kirkburton and his successors was to be allotted, and enclosed such a proportion 
of the waste lands, for and in full compensation and satisfaction of all the vicarial 

* This took place in 1812. 



142 Jfrte Cljas* jotf JtflmMIj, 



tithes and ecclesiastical dues, or money payments, in lieu thereof ; and also in 
full compensation for all Easter offerings (including house duty and communicants' 
fees), and mortuaries ; and in compensation of all other dues, — -surplice fees only 
excepted. Such allotment or allotments so set out to the Vicar of Kirkburton 
not to prejudice or lessen such parts of the said commons and waste lands to be 
set out and allotted to the proprietors of land within the parish of Almondbury. 
The remainder of the waste lands to be divided among the proprietors of the 
ancient lands. All allotments of lands to be of the same tenure as the lands in 
respect of which the allotments are made. 

The commissioners executed their award 12th April, 1834. 

The plans and the award were lodged with the Incumbent of Holmfirth Church. 

The Court Baron of the Manor which is held in the Moot Hall at Wakefield, 
holds pleas for the recovery of debts under £5, and in matters of replevin. 

Within the manor are held four " Courts-leet," or "Sheriff's Torns," viz.: — 
at Wakefield, Halifax, Brighouse, and Holmfirth. In Mr. Lumb's "Nomina 
Villarum," the constabularies under the four leets are thus enumerated. 

Under "Wakefield Leet" are the following: — Wakefield, Stanley, Sandall, 
Criggiestone, Walton - cum - Bretton, Horbury, Ossett, Normanton, Soothill, 
Dewsbury, West Ardsley, and Eccleshill. 

Under " Halifax Leet " are: — Halifax, Sowerby, Skircoat, Ovenden, Warley, 
Wadsworth, Rushworth - cum - Norland, Stansfield, Langfield, Heptonstall, 
Erringden, and Midgley. 

Under "Brighouse Leet" are: — Northowram, Shelf, Hipperholme - cum - 
Brighouse, Rastrick, Quarmby, Dalton, Fixby, Stainland, Barkisland, Hartshead- 
cum- Clifton. 

Under "Holmfirth Leet" are: — Burton, Shelley, Shepley, Flockton, Cumber- 
worth, Thurstonland, Emley, and Holme. 

As an appendage to the manor the Clicking Stool, or Ducking Stool, may be 
named. 

" This formidable machine was invented," says Brand, in his " Observations on 
Popular Antiquities," &c, " for the punishment of scolds and unquiet women, by 
ducking them in the water, after having placed them in a stool or chair fixed at 
the end of a long pole, by which they were immerged in some muddy or stinking 
pond." Blount tells us that " some think it is a corruption from Ducking Stool, 
but that others derive it from Choking Stool." These machines are of great 
antiquity, and were maintained by the bailiff, or other officer in connexion 
with manors. 



ox dmbtsjrip nf Jolmc. 143 



The only evidence I have met with concerning its existence here, occurs in 
the year 1711, in the accounts of Joshua Charlesworth, then Constable of the 
graveship of Holme, in which he records, " Sept. 14th. Paid Joshua Smith for 
making Kucking Stool, and Stocks mending, 3s. 6d." 

That the cucking stool had its existence in Holmfirth will not, therefore, admit 
of a doubt, and that it occasionally was brought into requisition would be hard to 
gainsay ; there is, however, every reason to believe that shortly afterwards, 
through common consent, or by public disapprobation, it deservedly fell into 
disuse. 

Soke Mills. 

Another characteristic of a feudal age was the Soke Mill, which, however, is here 
only matter of history. From MS. evidences it appears that a water corn mill 
existed at Holmfirth in the reign of Edward II., which had probably been 
established at a much earlier period ; having doubtless been erected by one of the 
Earls Warren, for the benefit of his tenants within the graveship, and at which 
they were required to grind their com. When the population had considerably 
increased, the Lord of the Manor built an additional mill at a place about a mile 
and a half to the east of Holmfirth, on a tributary stream of the river Holme, 
which in contradistinction to the old, or Holmfirth Mill, was called New Mill, — a 
name still retained by that populous village. 

In the 23 Richard II., [1398,] Roger del Morehouse farmed " the mills of Holme 
and tolls," &c, of the Lord of the Manor of Wakefield, at the annual rent of 
8s. 4d. This certainly could not be considered equivalent to their value. There 
is little doubt that a certain sum, or bonus, had been paid on entering upon the 
contract for a term of years, subject to a small annual rent. 

I have met with no other reference to these mills till the reign of Edward VI., 
when Richard Charlsworth. of Totties, farmed them under the Crown, by which 
he greatly enriched himself. He died in 1557, leaving four daughters co-heiresses, 
who married into some of the leading families of the West-Riding, viz. : — 1st, 
Grace Charlsworth married John Savile, of Wath, Gentleman, in 1568.* 2nd, 

* He was descended from Nicholas Savile, of New Hall, Elland. 

"In the marriage settlement made with Grace Charlsworth, he is described of Hatfield, Gentleman. The marriage 
was to take place before the Michaelmas day ensuing. John Kaye, of Dalton, John Kaye, of Okenshaw, and Robert 
Allott, of Bentley, were enfeoffed in half the Manor of Dalton, settled upon the marriage. Grace brought with her, lands 
in Holmfirth, Cartworth, and Thurlston, besides £24 towards her apparel, a good feather bed, furnished with all things 
requisite, and £10 towards the wedding dinner, which John Savile was to prepare. It is also covenanted that not more 
than thirty-six persons of the party of the Charlsworth's shall be brought to the said dinner. 

" Amidst the uniformity and generally uninteresting character of legal instruments, it is pleasant to meet with one 
which opens so much of the usages of our simple ancestors." Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., p. 67. 



144 g m Cjras* of f olmMIj, 



Dorothy Charls worth married Matthew Wentworth, of Bretton Hall, Esquire, in 

1571. 3rd, Margaret Charls worth married, first, Nettleton, to her second 

husband, G-eorge Kaye, of Woodsome, Esquire ; and 4th, Johanna — or, as stated 
in some of the pedigrees, Jennet Charlsworth — married Robert Allott, of Bentley 
Grange, son and heir of Robert Allott of the same plaice, who, besides lands and 
tenements in Holmfirth, which he received by his wife, acquired the tenancy of 
the soke mills, which remained with him till his death, about 1605. In 1609 
King James I. granted by letters patent dated 29th May, to Edward Ferrers, of 
London, mercer, and Francis Phelips, of London, Gentleman, their heirs and 
assigns for ever, along with other property, " all that moiety of our two water 
corn mills of Holmfirth, in our said county of York, together with all thereto 
belonging, situate, lying, and being in Holmfirth aforesaid, under the demesne of 
Wakefield aforesaid ; and all that moiety of all the water-courses, streams, banks, 
standing water, fish-pools, fisheries, profits, advantages, and emoluments what- 
soever," &c. The said Edward Ferrers, and Francis Phelips, to hold the 
same in as full, free, and ample a manner and form as we or our ancestors or 
predecessors, former Kings or Queens of England, have held or enjoyed the same 
with our Dutchy of Lancaster. To hold the same " of our heirs and successors 
as of our Manor of Enfield, in our county of Middlesex, by suit fealty in free and 
common soccage, and not in capite nor by military service : to render and pay 
yearly to us, and our heirs and successors, the sum of two pounds, five shillings, 
and tenpence each, into the hands of the General Receiver of the Dutchy of 
Lancaster, &c, at the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, and the Annunciation 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary." 

On the 24th August, 1609, the said Edward Ferrers, and the said Francis 
Phelips, sold the same in fee to Bartyn Allott, of Bentley, in the county of York, 
yeoman, the third son of Robert Allott aforesaid. 

About the time when the Crown granted off these mills, the soke was becoming 
an odious impost to the inhabitants. But the two soke mills had, in process of 
time, led to a division of the custom — the inhabitants resorting to the one most 
suiting their convenience. 

The earliest attempt at combination to resist the soke that I have met with 
took place in 1624, but that had reference only to the Newmill valley, and seems 
to have manifested itself in the somewhat irritating course of diverting the springs 
and rivulets from their ancient course over the adjacent lands, ostensibly for 
irrigating purposes, by which, in the drier seasons, they occasioned " the water 
to be so spent that the Newmill was so destitute of water, as not to be able to 



or (Srabcsbip of f)0(me. 145 



grinde anie corne at all, if the several springs continued to be diverted from 
their ancient course." The plaintiff contended for the exclusive right of the 
water, and held that the owners of property along these streams had no right to 
erect any mills, or dam up, or impound the water. 

The issue of these proceedings does not appear. 

In 1653 a more general combination was entered into by the inhabitants of the 
graveship, as indicated by the following record. " Wednesday, 6th July, 1653 : 
Richard Allott, Gentleman, plaintif, v. William Tinker, Edward Beever, and 
John Charlesworth, defendants. By the Right Honourable the Chancellor and 
Councell of the Dutchie of Lancaster, sittinge at Whitehall. Whereas the 
plaintif exhibited his case into this Courte, thereby settinge forth that King 
James being heretofore seized in fee of two water corne mills in Holmefirth, 
being a graveship within the Manor of Wakefield, in the countie of York, known 
as Holmefirth Mill and New Mill granted the same to several persons and their 
heirs, from whom by good conveyances and by descent the said mills are come to 
the plaintif : and further, that in right thereof the said Kinge and his ancestors 
Kings and Queens of England and Earles and Dukes of Lancaster, have, used to 
have, and ought to have the grist, suit, and soake of all their tenants, as well 
freeholders as copieholders, within the said graveship : that the said freeholders 
and copieholders have for the like tyme used and been accustomed to grind all 
their corne and graine at the said mills ; not only that which growes upon their 
grounds, but such also as is brought and spent and used in their houses within 
the said graveship, payinge the accustomed and reasonable toll then used. And 
the bill complaynes that the defendants and others, being freeholders and 
copieholders within the said graveship, have ground their mault and other graine 
at other mills, to the disabling the plaintif from paying his fee-farm rent. 
Whereupon and for that it hath been formerly decreed in this Court that the said 
freeholders and tenants should grind their graine and corne at the said mills, the 
reliefe of this Court was preyed. To which bill the defendants answered, and by 
their answers deny the said custom, as by the bill and answers remayninge on 
record in this Court may, among other things, more fully appeare. And to their 
answers thereunto replyinge, several witnesses were examined touching the same ; 

of whose depositions publication being granted was sett downe to be heard 

this present day ; and accordingly the same came this day to be heard before 
the Right Honourable the Chancellor of the said Courte, assisted with Mr. 
Justice and Parker, the Judge assistants of the 



146 $jm Cljase of HJolmnrilj, 



plaintif s bill, and readinge several depositions of witnesses, and upon 

readinge an ancient surveye made in the time of King Edward the Second — 
although upon readinge of the proofes there appeared cause of strong presumption 
that the said suite and soake was due to [the] farmer of the said mills, yett for 
as much as the usage is not clearly ascertained or established in the depositions 
to have some knowledge thereof, the matter is not yett fitt for a decree ; and soe 
that the case is proper to be determined by a tryall at common lawe. 

"It is therefore ordered by consent that the plaintif shall bring a feigned 
action at lawe, for tryal of the custome, to which the defendants shall appear 
gratis, and both shall insist meerly on the custome; and that the issue in question 
shall be as it is laide downe in the bill. The whole equitie being reserved to 
this Court." 

Accordingly the plaintiff brought his action at Trinity term, 1655, before 
Oliver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, &c, in the Upper 
Bench at Westminster, laying his damage at £200. 

What was the issue of this suit I have not seen, but we may infer that 
these efforts to free themselves had not been successful, since in the reign of 
James II. another attempt was made to rid themselves of the soke, which was 
becoming each year more obnoxious. 

The owners of the soke had diverted a small rivulet from its ancient course 
into the Newmill dam, over lands belonging to John and William Brooke, of 
Greenhill Bank, on payment of an annual rent. 

The inhabitants now agreed with the owners of this property to restore the 
stream to its ancient course, by which, as it was stated, " one-fourth part of the 
water is cut off." It had before been stated in evidence that when the other 
springs and rivulets were being diverted, the miller was only able to grind "a met 
of wheat, four sacks of oates, twelve sacks of mault, in twenty-four hours ;" it was 
now significantly asked, " what will it now grind when one-fourth part of the 
ordinary stream is diverted ? " 

In 1723 " An information was filed against James Earnshaw, of Holme, 
Gentleman, in the Dutchy Court of Lancaster, at the suite of Bryan Allott, 
Gentleman, to show cause why he ground his corn at his corn mill, erected in the 
township of Cartworth, within the graveship of Holme ; and likewise the corn of 
other copyholders within the said graveship ; thereby defrauding the said Bryan 
Allott, the said fee farmer, of his accustomed suite and toll." The defendant's 
answer was "that his late father, James Earnshaw, of Holme, who died on or 
about the 18th day of July, 1722, did erect and set up, some time before his 



or (^rabesMjo of Jfolmc. 147 



death, one water corn mill, in the township of Cartworth, in the graveship 
of Holme, on his own estate situate about two miles from the Relator's mill, 
called Holmfirth Mill, to grind his corn, and the corn of such as brought the 
same to his said mill. He denies the custom as due from him to grind at 
the Relator's mill, for that his father had always carried his corn to grind 
at such mills as he chose, without any hindrance from the owners of the said 
Holmfirth Mills." 

No further steps seem to have been taken by Mr. Bryan Allott, who afterwards 
became Rector of Kirkheaton. He seems to have been a man of a genial 
temper and kind disposition, and is stated to have "lived much beloved by 
his friends, among whom was Grarrick, who wrote these beautiful lines to be 
inscribed on his tomb : — 

' More with the love than with the fear of God, 
This vale of sorrows cheerfully he trod. 
So tuned to harmony, and hating strife, 
From youth to age unclouded was his life ; 
Nought could his earthly virtuous joys increase 
But heavenly song and everlasting peace.' " 

For one possessing such a disposition and character, we may readily suppose 
litigious warfare had no charms. 

From this time the soke within the graveship ceased to be acknowledged. 

Mr. Bryan Allott was, however, succeeded by a son of the same name, but of 
much less intrinsic worth, Rector of Burnham, in Norfolk. " He had originally 
been in the army, and was a man of expense. In 1779, only six years after the 
death of his father, his affairs were in disorder, his living sequestered, and 
himself in prison, when his estates were offered for sale." Some years, however, 
elapsed before they were sold.* 

* The following letter written in March, 1770, addressed to "Jonathan West, Esq., at Cawthorne, near Wakefield," 
solicitor, indicates that the estate was considerably involved before the father's death : — 

"My dear Sir, — I have consulted both Mr. Wilmot and Sir Lionel Pilkington, who are both of opinion yt the best 
thing which can be done will be for my father, mother, and myself to dock ye entail of the settled estates, for the whole 
to be made over in trust to me (jointly with any other person my father shall chuse), during ye life of my father and 
mother, with power to sell what shall appear proper and sufficient to pay off debts, and secure y e younger children's 
fortunes, and to secure to them during their lives such an annuity as upon a fair examination of every thing shall seem 
proper ; after their death (all debtB and younger children's fortunes being paid) the whole residue, together with Mr. 
Turner's reversion, to come to me or my heirs or executors. 

" Mr. Wilmot will, 1 hope, write about it in a post or two, and I will be much obliged to you to second it with my 
father, and endeavour to convince him of the necessity of it. What annuities can be given it will be impossible to say 
till the worth of the estates can be ascertained ; but this I'll venture to say, y' my father's income shall not be worse 
than it now is. 

t2 



148 Joe €hnzt of i 



The annexed is the pedigree of the Allotts, of Bilham Grange,* as farmers of 
the Holmfirth Soke Mills. 

A -rms : A fess between two bars, gemelle wavy . 

Eobert illott of Bentley Grange, son and heir of Robert Allott, of the same place. — r^Jennet, dauehter and coheire33 of Rich. Cbarlsworth, 
Will dated'lOth Nov , 1603. ' Died 14th Oct., 1604 or 1605, aged 75. of Totties, in Holmfirth. Will dated 4th April, 1610. 

Ilartin Allott. of Bentley Thorpe, in Almondbury, and of Bilham Grange, executor 1 — : — Grace, daughter of Thomas Binns, of Thorpe, and sister of 
to his mother, who purchased the Holmfirth Soke Mills. Will dated 11th July, Richard Binns, married at Almondbury 4th Feb., 1610, 

1644. Died 14th Oct., 1648, aged 67, and was buried at Hoyland. i buried at Hoyland, 23rd Nov. 1643. 



Richard Allott, of Bilham Grange, Gentleman, r 
son and heir, bapt. 13th July, 1617. Inventory 
dated 30th September, 1674. 



= Grace, daughter of George Wentworth, of Bulcliffe and Bretton. 
Marriage settlement dated 18th Julv, 1640. Married at Darton, 
28th July, 1640; inventory dated 22nd Sept., 1681. 



r 



Bartin Allott. of Bilham Grange, Gent., son and heir, born I4th = 
October, 1656, a lieutenant of militia 29th May, 1689. Will 
dated 10th May, 1701, and he died on the 24th. 



-Mary, daughter and co-heiress of John Peebles, 
of Dewsbury, Esq. Married 4th Oct., 1682 ; 
died 6th May, 1696. 



Brian Allott, of Bilham Grange, clerk, Rector of Kirkheaton.— r— MargaTet, daughter and co-heiress of Nicholas Wilmot, second 
Born 6th Nov. 1693; died llth^Jan. 1773. son of Robert Wilmot, Esq., of Osmaston. 



Bryan Allott, of Bilham Grange, clerk, Rector of Bumham,— j— Mary, dau. of Hugh Kennedy, of Kirk Michael, in Ayrshire, by Catherine, his 
in Norfolk. Sold the soke mills in Holmfirth in 1784. wife, dau. and co-heiress of Rev.Dr.Ellis, Dean of St.David's.mar.S Sep.1761. 

| i 

Bryan Montgomery Allott, Catherine Margaretta Allott, sole daughter ; born 18th July, 1763, married John 

only son, died young. Beck, Esq., comptroller of the customs, at Workington; and died in 1812. 

The Holmfirth Soke Mill was purchased in 1784 by John Fallas, of Wood, in 
Holmfirth, clothier. By indenture dated 21st September, 1804, James Fallas, of 
Wood, and Elizabeth Fallas, widow of John Fallas, sold the same to Mr. William 
Gartside, of Holmfirth, who, dying without issue, devised the same to his 
brothers, Messrs. John and George Gartside ; to the latter of whom, on a division 
of their estates, the Holmfirth Mill devolved. The same now vests in Miss 
Gartside, the only daughter and heiress of the said Mr. George Gartside. f 

" The money to be raised you know " Now towards raising this I would sell : — £ s. d. 

Chidswell tythes, — now let at 102 

Gawthorpe tythes, — now let at 40 

Richard Terry's farm, in Gawthorpe, two houses and — acres of land 15 
In Holmfirth, — two water corn mills, one house and fulling mill, 

with a small parcel of land adjoining — now let at £62 10s. Od. 

but in 1726 were let at £95 62 10 

In Da a close of about three acres — very convenient for 

building on, — now let at ... ... ... ... .. ... 4 10 



is : — 


£ 


s. 


d. 


My father's debts ... 


... 4,150 








Sister's fortune ... . 


.. 1,000 








Brother Richard's ... 


... 500 








Harry's debts ... . 


.. 1,800 









£7,450 £224 

" Query : how many years' purchase do tythes and mills and lands generally sell at, situated as these are? 

" I Bbould be much obliged to you if you would make a rough calculation how much one may expect for those estates. 
If they '11 sell for more than the sums above-mentioned, after securing the annuities to my father and mother, ye overplus 
should go towards paying my own debts. If they sell for less, the deficiency must come out of Henry's,— at least for 
the present. 

" I shall be glad of a speedy answer as I yet know not what to say to Henry's creditors. 

" I hope by this time you are perfectly recovered, and that this cold weather may not occasion a relapse. 

" I betrmy compliments to Mrs. Twigge ; and am your most obdt. servant, 

" BRYAN ALLOTT, Junr. 
" Please to direct to me at Mr. Flcxney's, Bookseller, in Holbourne." 

Prom Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., page 366. 

The new mill was also sold, and converted into e, woollen mill. 



Oboivins^i|j of Jitlstonc. 



This is one of the seven townships comprised in the graveship of Holme, and forms 
its eastern boundary ; but it did not, like the rest of the graveship, form a part of 
the ancient chapelry of Holmfirth. 

This township has several lofty hills, which are intersected by narrow valleys 
and deep ravines. The river Dearne takes its rise here, at a short distance to 
the east of the Pike-law Observatory. 

Besides an ancient village of the same name, it contains several hamlets, of 
which Neiomill is much the largest : and now a rapidly increasing centre of popu- 
lation and manufactures. 

Fulstone Hall. 

About half a mile to the east of Newmill is Fulstone Hall. The modern aspect 
of this place affords no indications of an ancient " Hall." It is, however, certain 
that in the fifteenth century it was so designated; but the " old hall " was taken 
down about seventy years ago. 

In the reign of Henry VII. it was the property of William Morehouse, who, in 
1490, was a party in a dispute respecting the right of Ins wife and family to 
kneel, &c, in a certain stall in the Parish Church of Burton. He was descended 
from Roger del Morehouse, who, in the reign of Richard II., [1398,] farmed the 
soke mills of the graveship of Holme. This William was succeeded by a son 
John, living here in 20 Henry VIII., [1528] : he died in the reign of Philip and 
Mary, and was succeeded by a son Thomas, living in 1574, who had a son 
William, residing here in 1607, in which year he appeared before a jury at 
Holmfirth Chapel [Church], appointed to enquire into the nature of the evidences 
and the tenure of the lands within this graveship ; when he shewed by his 
evidences that he held seventy-three acres of copyhold lands, by estimation, at 
Fulstone Hall, besides " seven selions lying in the new croft." He held also five 
acres and a half of land by deed from Sir Thomas Gargrave, Knight, being a part 
of a parcel of lands granted by Queen Elizabeth to the Earl of Leicester. 

At what period the estate passed from the Morehouses I have not seen. It 
was purchased in the latter part of the last century by the ancestor of the present 
proprietor, John Frederic Winterbottom, Esq., of Eastwood Heys, Berkshire. 



150 ^ohmsjjip 0f Jfulgiime. 



Stagwood Hill 

Occupies a bold aud prominent ridge on the eastern acclivity above Neiomill, 
whence the ascent is very steep, but at the top it opens out into a wide and 
spacious flat, stretching out for a considerable distance, with a gentle descent 
towards the village of Eulstone, and possesses a south-easterly aspect. This 
estate comprises a number of farms of highly productive land ; pleasingly wooded 
and belted with plantations. 

The name which is here given, according to modern orthography, has been 
somewhat changed within the last three-quarters of a century : as it was formerly 
designated " Stackwood" Hill. About eighty years ago the late Mr. Newton,—- 
when it passed into his possession, — supposing Stack to be a corruption of Stag, 
changed it to its present name. 

The house is situated on the verge of the hill, and although of ancient 
foundation, has been repeatedly altered and modernized. It is surrounded by a 
number of yew trees, some of a considerable size : an evident indication of its 
having been from a remote period the residence of a family of respectability. 
Thus Ave find that at an early period it gave the surname to a family who resided 
here doubtless for some length of time — the Be Stahwoods. At what period they 
left the place is uncertain, and who were their immediate successors is equally 
unknown. 

In 1490 I find John Stakwood then living in the district, but whether of this 
place does not appear. In that year he was one of the churchwardens, or as then 
designated, kirkgraves, for the Church of Burton. In the 12 Henry VIII., 
[1520,] I find Ellen Stakwood, then in her widowhood (the document from which 
I quote does not state her residence), leased in that year a messuage and lands at 
Holmehouse, in Fulstone, to John Tynker, but reserved the annual rent to John 
Kay. This is the last mention I have found of the name. It is probable she was 
the widow of John Stakwood, already named ; and at her demise it would seem 
the Stakwoods became extinct, as- there is no mention of the name in the parish 
register, which commences within twenty-five years after that period. 

The exact period when the Stagwood Hill estate passed to the Newtons, I 
have not been able to ascertain. They were residing here at the close of 
Elizabeth's reign. In 1 007, William Newton, then of Stagwood Hill, appeared 
at. the inquisition in that year, and produced his evidences concerning his copyhold 
lands in the graveship, wherein he furnished the boundary of his lands, together 
with the annual rents due to the Chief Lord the King. 

In the reign of Charles I. there was a William Newton of this place. He was 



Cotonsjrijj ai Jfitlsiorw. 151 



probably the son of the aforesaid William. In the protectorate he had a law suit 
with Captain Richard Horsfall, Lord of the Manor of Thurstonland, respecting a 
right of stray and pasturage for his cattle, &c, upon the adjacent commons and 
waste lands in that lordship, which was confirmed to him by a decree from 
"the Upper Bench at Westminster." He died in 1673, and was succeeded by his 
son and heir, John Newton, who was interred at Kirkburton in 1704, and left 
two surviving sons — John, who succeeded him at Stagwood Hill ; and Joshua, to 
whom he devised lands, &c, at Fulstone, Newmill, and Thurstonland. 

John Newton, the elder son, baptised 23rd August, 1663, married Mary 
Beaumont, of the parish of Almonbury, in 1684. She died in 1689, leaving 
issue an only son, William, born in that year. He married to his second wife 
Mary, the daughter and co-heiress of Joshua Wilson, of Thongsbridge, and 
widow of William Wordsworth, of Sofiey, in the parish of Penistone. He died 

in 1736, and was succeeded by his only son, William, who had married 

daughter of William Wordsworth, of Sofiey (and the daughter of his stepmother), 
by whom he had issue, first, Joshua Newton, who died unmarried in 1762; Lydia, 
married to Benjamin Empson, of Groole Hall ; and John Newton, of Thongs- 
bridge, who, by the death of his elder brother, became heir to the Stagwood Hill 

estate. He married Hannah , who died in 1759, leaving no surviving 

issue. He married, secondly, . . Woodhead, of Hullen-edge, and had 

issue two daughters — Lydia and Elizabeth. He was engaged in commerce, and 
by unsuccessful speculations, and a general mismanagement of his affairs, he 
became a bankrupt, and his estates were ultimately offered for sale, when the 
Stagwood Hill estate was purchased by William Newton, the grandson of Joshua 
Newton, the younger son of the first John Newton in this pedigree. 

Mr. Newton by his success in business was thus ultimately enabled to become 
the purchaser of the ancestral estate, which he considerably enlarged by subse- 
quent purchases, and which he greatly improved by judicious planting. 

His general business habits led him to take an active part in whatever was 
calculated to promote the prosperity of the district, and in all matters of public 
interest, whether political, civil, or ecclesiastical. In the midst of his varied 
occupations he had been a considerable reader, and possessing an excellent 
memory, his store of knowledge was not inconsiderable. His perception of 
character was remarkable. Notwithstanding his numerous engagements, he was 
a keen sportsman, and retained a lively interest in active sports long after 
advancing age precluded his further participating in them. 

To those who knew him only in advanced life, and saw him in his own house, 



152 Cotonsljtp of Jfulstone. 



tlie remembrance of him did not soon pass away. He was usually cheerful, 
often facetious in conversation and racy in his remarks : fond of relating his 
adventures and recounting his reminiscences. 

The interior of his house, which was simple and unpretending, exhibited the 
characteristic tone of his mind. The entrance hall, which was of moderate size, 
was fitted up with old-fashioned furniture, not so much of a choice or antique 
character as indicating its descent from " sire to son." The walls were hung 
with guns in their racks of various kinds, both of early and modern invention ; 
with pistols, swords, halberts, crossbows, and various other weapons and instru- 
ments. These, however, were not exhibited for show (for he was no lover of 
ostentation), but that he might see them from time to time, so that by his 
supervision they might receive proper care and attention. In this room he 
usually sat in his declining years, with a number of dogs at his feet like a true 
sportsman of " olden time." He died on the 24th September, 1834, aged 
90 years. 

He was succeeded by his son and heir, Isaac Parker Newton, who survived his 
father only a few weeks ; but who left issue, of whom Mr. Arthur Blencow 
Newton, of Stagwood Hill, is now the only male representative. 

BlJTTERLEY HALL 

Is situated about three-quarters of a mile from Newmill. It is a small house, of 
respectable appearance, and was erected about 1740 by Mr. John Kaye, the only 
son of Mr. Jonas Kaye, of Milshaw Hall, in the township of Hepworth, who 
disliking the situation of the ancient mansion at Milshaw, as being both bleak 
and difficult of access, abandoned it and took up his residence at this place, where 
he died in 1745.* 

A considerable part of the Butterley estate was purchased about twenty years 
ago, by the late Mr. Samuel Sandford, who ultimately made the hall his residence. 
He had by industry and frugality acquired a very competent property. He had 
an only child, Mr. Jonathan Sandford, who was also successful in business ; but 
melancholy to relate, was, with his family, drowned in the Holmfirth catastrophe 

of 1851. 

Christ Church, Newmill. 

In 1829 a church was erected here, under the Million Act, for the accommodation 
of the increasing population of the district. The site being given by the late Mr. 
Newton, of Stagwood Hill. 

* Further particulars of this family, and the descent of the estate, may be found under Milshaw, in Hepworth. 



Cototsjritf. of Jfulstora. 



153 




It is a large and very substantial Gothic structure, with a tower. It was 
erected at the cost of £3,600, and is in the patronage of the Vicar of 
Kirkburton. 

Although situated at the foot of three considerable hills, this church 
stands on a bold but picturesque eminence, and is seen from a considerable 
distance. 





LIST OF INCUMBENTS. 




SN APPOINTED. 


NAME. 


VACATED. 


1830. 


Richard E. Leach, 


Resigned. 


1832. 


Samuel Jones, 


Resigned. 


1834. 


Henry Middleton, 


Resigned. 


1836. 


Ebenezer Elliott, B.A.; 


Resigned. 


1843. 


Rev. J. W. Holmes, 


Present incumbent 



Unramcirtal Jnsaiptioiis. 



In Memory of John Tinker, of Hepworth, who departed this life July 5th, 1857 ; aged 85 years. 
Also Sarah, his wife, who departed this life November 10th, 1852 ; aged 80 years. 

Charlotte, wife of George Charlesworth, of Sudehill, died May 21st, 1858 ; aged 65 years. Martha, 
wife of John Morrey, of Daisy-lee, who died March 20th, 1857; aged 60 years. Jonathan Wood, of 

U 



154 C0hmsI)i}J of Jftdstmt*. 



Hepworth, died January 30th, 1842 ; aged 91 years. Also Joseph Broadhead, his nephew, who died 
September 25th, 1842 ; aged 74 years. 

William Hirst, of Snowgate-head, who died 26th February, 1S37 ; aged 57 years. 

Joseph, youngest son of Timothy Bentley, Esq., late of Lockwood, died February 10th, 1848; aged 
28 years. Mary, wife of Joseph Booth, of Moorcroft Mill, died May 8th, 1858 ; aged 73 years. Also 
the said Joseph Booth, who died June 16th, 1859 ; aged 76 years. James Barrowclough, of 
Holmfirth, died 17th October, 1858; aged 72 years. Edmund Sykes, of Booth House, who died 
July 25th, 1855 ; aged 59 years. Hannah, wife of James Turner, of Fulstone, died April 18th, 1851 ; 
aged 80 years. 

Mary, wife of William Preston, of Wooldale, died 14th January, 1853 ; aged 23 years. 

Mary, wife of Joseph Brook, of Horncoat, died April 5th, 1834; aged 71 years. Also the said 
Joseph Brook, died August 15th, 1843 ; aged 78 years. 

Samuel Fawcett, of Totties, died August 18th, 1857 ; aged 76 years. 

Ambrose, son of James and Mary Lockwood, of Fulstone Hall, departed this life April 26th, 1852; 
aged 38 years. 

Jonas Cartwright, of Wooldale, died January 14th, 1857; aged 92 years. Also George, his son, died 
August 17th, 1857 ; aged 64 years. 

George Thackray, of Newmill, died November 14th, 1856; aged 70 years. 

National School. 

Near to the church is a large schoolroom, built in 1838, and a house for the 
teacher ; also used for the purposes of a Sunday school, in connexion with the 
church. 

Newmill School. 

This school was founded in 169-4, at the joint expense of Mrs. Rodes, of Flockton, 
John Newton, of Stagwood Hill, and George Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, for the 
benefit of the inhabitants of the townships of Fulstone and Wooldale. 

The schoolroom, which was rebuilt in 1838 by voluntary subscription, being of 
small size, has been employed as an infant school since the erection of the 
National School. 

BENEFACTION. 

Mr. William Newton, late of Stagwood Hill, by his will, dated 7th day of April, 1827, bequeathed as 
follows : — " Unto ten poor persons belonging to the township of Fulstone aforesaid, one stone each of good 
wheat flour, out of my estate at Stagwood Hill aforesaid, to be delivered to them by the owner for the 
time being of such estate, or by his direction, on Saint Thomas's day, in every year for ever." 

The enclosure of Common Lands of this township took place 

in 1816, comprising 740 acres. 

Ancient enclosure. 1,300 „ 



Total 2,040 




HOLMFIKTH CHURCH. 



Cjrajplnr anir Cjntrr|j uf Jfolmfittjj. 



This ancient Chapelry comprised the townships of Wooldale, Hepworth, and 
Cartworth, in the parish of Kirkburton ; and those of Holme, Austonley, and 
Upperthong in the parish of Almonbury. The Vicar of Kirkburton being patron. 
But since the erection of three new churches, the chapelry has been subdivided. 

Respecting the origin of this chapelry there is nothing with certainty known. 
I have, however, had occasion (pp. 48 — 51) to allude to this subject, and have 
given what appears a probable conjecture. Thither I must now refer the reader 
for further information. 

It is certain that there was a chapel at Holmfirth in the reign of Edward IV. 
Dr. Whitaker observes, "there is extant a confirmation under the privy seal of 
Richard III., of a grant made by Edward IV. to the King's tenants of Holmfirth, 
members of the lordship of Wakefield, of xls. per annum, towards an exhibition 
to mynestre devine service in the chapel there." 

From a series of original MSS. and loose memoranda, I am enabled to give 
many interesting historical particulars connected with this chapelry, from the early 
part of the reign of Elizabeth down to that of William III., but more particularly 

u2 



/ 



156 Cjiapthrg of jfalmfirtjj. 



during the reign of Charles I. and the Commonwealth period, when the inhabitants 
were anxious to have the chapel made a parish church. 

From these MSS. I shall quote largely, and in their own words, which will best 
preserve the spirit and character of the times to which they refer ; although doing 
this will necessarily involve some repetition, and a reference to matters which 
do not immediately bear upon the subject. 

The first MS. from which I shall quote is entitled, " Some notes touching the 
Chapel at Holmfirth, and the chaplains or curates there ; what the inhabitants 
gave them, and how raised," &c. It bears date 1698, and has evidently been 
written by one who had been at some trouble to make himself acquainted with 
many of the circumstances recorded. This will therefore form the basis of the 
following historical account. 

" It appeareth by ancient writings that the said chapel was built by the mutual consent and at the 
charge of the inhabitants within the chapelrie, for a chappel of ease ; and that no stipend or endowment 
was settled upon it by them or others. 

" That ye said inhabitants did by like consent, from time to time procure and agree with such as they 
thought fitt to be curates there, sometimes for a greater, and sometimes for a lesser sum of money, as may 
be seen by sundrie witnesses, sworn and examined touching these matters, by which it is manifest yt ye 
inhabitants gave the curates more or less as they pleased." 

In the early part of the reign of Elizabeth the curates " had £6 13s. 4d. per 
ann. in money, and sent some persons up and down the chappelrye for what wool 
and oats the inhabitants would give them ;" but to a Mr. Lord " they agreed to 
give £12 j)er ann.," as "he esteemed it too low and base a thing to go from 
house to house for such wool and oats as the inhabitants would give him, and did 
desire them to let him have all in money." "For the raising of Avhich, they 
appointed term men to measure the chappel, and sett out to every inhabitant a 
yeard for everie penny tax (according to the ancient occupance tax), and for 
everie such yeard they agreed to give ye curate 12d. per ann., to make up the 
said sum of £12." 

"About the year 1632 and 3, ye chappel was pulled down and re-edified, with the addition of about 
132 seats ; after that, one Mr. John Bynns was admitted to be curate, and in the year 1635, procured a 
commission out of the Ecclesiastical Court,*' to diverse commissioners (without the consent of the major 

* The commissioners appointed were, "Mr. John Kay, of Denby Grange, and Thomas Thornhill, of Pixby, Esq. ; 
Gamaliel Whilaker, clerke, M. of Arts, Vicar of the Parish Church of Kirkburton ; George Croslaud, clerke, Vicar of the 
Parish Church of Almondburie ; Pichard Sykes, clerke, Parson of the Parish Church of Kirkheaton ; and Anthonie 
Bennes, clerke, Parson of the Medictie of the Rectorie of the Parish Church of High Hoyland, of the Diocese of York," 
who were directed as follows : — " Whereas, wee are informed that the Chappell of Holmeforth, within the parish of 
Kirkburton aforesaid, hath of late bene enlarged and repaired, and the Stalls therein made decent and uniforme, and that 
fewe or none of the Inhabitants within the chappelrie doe knowe thcire proper seatcs within the said Chappell, or at least 



Cjmpelrjr of JffflmMjj. 157 



part of the principal inhabitants), to allot seats unto the inhabitants (being then few or none knew their 
proper seats as was then alledged), and to raise and fix a competent stipend for the curate. Which 
commissioners did meet to execute ye same, and thereupon made their certificate, by which they ordered 
the inhabitants to pay ten pence yearly for every seat,* with which the inhabitants most generally were 
dissatisfied, and refused to pay the same. 

" Upon which the said Mr. Bynns com'enced suit against divers of them, which continued until 1639; 
and then all matters in difference were submitted and referred to four arbitrators indifferently chosen, 
finally to judge of and end the same. AVhereupon, the 10th day February, 1639, made and declared 
their awardf in writing, by which they ordered yt ye Commission (which was the occasion of the suit), 

have no seates or stalls assigned unto them by owr authority. By reason whereof, diverse Suites and differences are every 
day likely to arise and growe amongst the said inhabitants, if the sa^ie be not in time prevented. 

" Wee, therefore, myndinge and tendinge the good and quiett of the said Inhabitants, and for the p'servation of 
Christian amity amongst the said Inhabitants, and of good order in the said Chappell, as alsoe for the p'vidingeofa 
competent yearly maintenance for the minister servinge from time to time at the same Chappell of Holmeforth, have 
thought good, and by these presents doe give full power and authoritie unto you, the said Mr. John Kay, Thomas 
Thornhill, Esq., Gamaliel Whitaker, George Crosland, Richard Sykes, and Anthonie Bennes, clerkes, or any fower or more 
of you, whereof the said Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Crosland to be two, to allott and assign unto the several Inhabitants 
within the said Chappelrie of Holmeforth aforesaide, such sittings and convenient stalls, pewes, or seates within the same 
Chappell, wherein to sitt, kneele, and heare Divine Service there read, and Sermons preached, accordinge to their 
respective degrees, Estates, and condi'cons as you in your judgements and discre'con shall think meete and convenient. 
And likewise to take order for a competent Annual Stypend to be raised and imposed upon the said, amongst the 
Inhabitants of the said Chappelrie, for and towards the maintinance of a ministre to serve this Cure of the same Chappell 
of Holmeforth aforesaid. And of your doeinges herein you are to certifie us or our lawfull Deputie in that behalfe, in the 
Consistorie place in York Minster, upon Friday next after the Feast of St. John the Baptist, next cominge or before ; 
together with these p'sents. Given at Yorke, under the Seale of our said office, the 12th March, 1635. 

" The Execution of this Commission doth appeare in a Schedule or Modell of the said Chappell thereto annexed, 
attested by signatures of all the said Commissioners." 

* " The old chapell contained about 480 seats, the new one 132 seats more, making in all 612 seats, which, at ten pence 

per sitting, amounted to £25 10s." 

t We here give it at length. 

" Decemo die mensis Febr., Ann. Dom. 1639. 

" In the Cause of Difference betweene John Bynns, Cler., ministre and preacher of God's word on the one pte., and 
Henry Jackson, James Genne, and Josa. Earnshaw on the other pte. We, whose names are hereunto subscrybed, 
being arbitrators indifferently chosen by the said p'ties for endinge thereof, doe order and award as followeth : — 

" Imp'us. — We doe order and award that the said parties shall from henceforth become lov'rs and friends as it becometh 
Christians in the feare of God ; and that all suits and controv'sies heretofore stirred up betwixt them, or any of them, shall 
now cease and determine. 

" Item. — We doe order and award that these several notes, under the hands of the severall Inhabitants of the 
Chappellrie of Holmeforth, and the said Henry Jackson, James Genne, and Josa. Earnshaw, now tendered unto the said 
Mr. Bynns shall stand and be counted effectuall for the said Mr. Bynns to recover his wages by, for serving the cure at 
the said Chappell, of all such as have subscrybed thereunto without cleaving or flying to the Com'ission formerly granted 
concerning the same. 

" Item. — We doe order and award that the said Henry Jackson, James Genne, and Jo. Earnshaw, or some for them to 
be elected and chosen, shall repayre to the Court at Yorke, and that the said Mr. Bynns, or some for him, shall lykewise 
at the same tyme be there, and that then they shall joyne and agree together to enter an order in the said Court, where 
the suyte concerning the Chappellrye and him is now depending, whereby the former division concerning the seatts in 
the said Chappell out of which the said wages must aryse, shall be by Mr. Chancell'r subducted, the plattforme remayning 
in Court taken off the roll, soe the said plattforme to be made voyd. And thereupon the aforenamed Com'ission and 
Certificate thereupon shall be alsoe cancelled and made voyd. 



158 Cjraplrg of f ©Imfirtfc. 



the Certificate also, and whatelse were done thereupon by the consent of the plaintiff and defendants, 
should be subducted and taken out of the Court, and made utterly void and of none effect. 

"And so every one was left in the same plight as they were before the said Com'ission was 
procured." 

Shortly after this, the civil war broke out, when many of the clergy withdrew 
from their cures, to join the King's forces, or rendered other assistance — i. e. 
with money, arms, &c. This appears to have been especially the case in York- 
shire, as we find the Parliament passed an ordinance, dated 27th February, 1644, 
" authorising Lord Fairfax, with the advise of the assembly," to fill up those 
places " with such learned, godly divines as they shall think fit." 

This afforded Mr. Binns's opponents in the chapelry an opportunity, which 
they appear not to have allowed to pass, of trying to displace him, although he 
does not appear to have absented himself from his cure. It would seem they 
presented a memorial " to the Lord Fairfax and the standing committee at the 
city of York ;" but a counter-memorial was also got up and presented, which 
stated that 

" John Binns, of Bank-end, within the township of Thurstonland, clerke, is by and upon some 
informations intended against him, called before your Honrs. at the city of Yorke, and there resteth. We, 
whose names are subscribed, being neare neighbors to the said John Binns, thought ourselves in conscience 
bound to certify yr Honrs. the truth as concerning the doctrine, life, and conv'sation of the said John 
Binns, viz., that a great part of us have knowne him from his tender yeares ; and that he hath served as 
minister of God's word at the Chappell of Honly for the space of about eighteene or nineteene yeares, 
and since, at the Chappell of Holmfirth, some eight or nine yeares ; during which time both we, his 
hearers, and others — Divines in the countrie, acquainted with him, — have adjudged his doctrine to be 
sound, orthodox, and profitable ; and himself in his calling, painfull ; and in life and conv'sation, 
peaceable ; ready to compose differences, and to set peace among his neighbours upon all occasions, and 
under whose ministry we have belonged to the Chappell of Holmfirth, [and] shall be willing to continue 
if it may stand with approbation of your Honrs.; and in testimonie of the truth of the p'misses, have 
hereunto subscribed our names, humbly taking leave and resting your Honrs. in all service to be 
commanded." 

" Not long after" this, " the curate Binns dyed.* After whose death, by virtue of a Commission under 
the great Seal of England, the Commissioners returned a Certificate into the High Court of Chancerie, 

" Item. — We doe order and award that Henry Jackson shall pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said Mr. Bynns, the 
sum of fiftie-seaven shillings of current money, in full satisfaction of all arrearages which should come and accreu unto 
him out of the Lands at Holmehouse given to the ministre of the said Chappell, by Jo. Tynker, deceased; and so, conse- 
quently, shall pay the same according to the said guift, at the end of every half yeare. The said arrearages to be paid 
im'ediately after their returne from Yorke, from finishing thereof. " JOHN HIRST, 

"JOHN FIRTHE, 
"THOMAS ROB'TS, 

"G0DFRAY HOULT." 
* See more respecting him, at Bank-end, in Thurstonland. 



Cljajttlrjj rf J 0lmfo% 159 



that they found belonging to the Parish Church of Burton a vicarage presentative, with cure of Soules, 
the profits thereof worth about eighty pounds per ann. 

" Mr. Daniel Clarke is viccar, a painful preacher, who receiveth the profits. 

" We find, alsoe, a Chappelrie in the said parish, and a Chapell called Holmfirth Chappell, four or 
five miles distant from the Parish Church, having no endowment : one Mr. Gamaliel Appleyard is 
preacher there, and stands at the benevolence of the people. We conceive it fit that the Chappelrie of 
Holmfirth be made a parish of itself, and Holme [Holmfirth] made a parish church, in regard to the 
distance from its parish church aforesaid." 

" And the like certificate was given by seven Justices of the Peace for the West-Riding of Yorkshire,* 
under their hands and seals." 

The inhabitants of the chapelry entered with much spirit into this proposal, 
and drew up petitions and memorials, "which were presented to the authorities. 

The following " certificate," signed by 128 persons within the chapelry, was 
presented at this period : — 

" These are to certifie all whom it may concerne, that the chappell of Holmefirth standeth about fower 
myles from the parish churches of Kirkburton and Almonburie, many of the Inhabitants dwelling five, six, 
seaven, and the nearest above three myles from the nearer of the said churches. Fower hundred 
Com'unicants repairinge to the said chappell upon the Lord's-day, to heare the word of God preached. 
And there beinge noe meanes allowed the Minister of God's word for servinge the Cure in the said 
chappell, Wee, the Inhabitants whose names are subscribed, doe humbly pray that the said chappell be 
severed, and divided from the said churches, and be made a parish church ; and the several hamletts of 
Wooldale, Hepworth, Cartworth, Holme, Austonley, Thwonge, and Scholes, within the Constablerie and 
Chappelrie of Holmefirth aforesaid, be annexed and appropriated thereunto, by reason of the larger and 
remote situation thereof; and that the small tithes and Easter duties yearly arissinge and ackrewinge 
within the said hamlets, may be established upon a preaching minister of God's word for servinge the 
cure at the said chapell. All which we pray, and are readie to testifie, as your Horns, shall thinke most 
meete, and as shall be for the glorie of God, and the furtherance of true Religion and virtue." 

The next document is a petition drawn up by " the Constables and Church- 
wardens of Kirkburton, and the Constable and Churchwardens of the Chappelrie 

* The following is " The humble petition of the poore Inhabitants of the Chappelrye of Holmefirth, in the parishes of 
Kirkburton and Almonburie, humbly sheweth that, whereas your poore petitioners dwelling a great way remote and 
distant from the churches of Kirkburton and Almonburie, have been compelled and oppressed to contribute and pay all 
such assessments as the churchwardens of Kirkburton and Almonburie have been pleased to impose upon them, for the 
maintaining of the Bells, Clocks, and every other ornament in the said churches ; and to pay wages for tenting of the said 
clocks, and other things as they please, to the great impoverishment and grinding of the faces of your poore petitioners, 
and contrarie to equitie and good conscience. Your poore petitioners never being chargeable to the said churches or 
parishes ; there being no seates or roomes for your petitioners in the said churches. And your said petitioners not being 
able to goe to either of the said churches, but doe usually resort to the chappell within their chappelrie aforesaid, for the 
hearing of the word of God preached, receiving the Sacraments, and other divine worship. 

" That your Hon re - would be pleased to grant an order forth of this Honourable Court, for your petitioners reliefe 
herein that they may be noe further compellable, but to the repayres of the roofe, windowes, and doores of the said 
churches, which your poore petitioners are very willing to doe, though they receive no profitt thereby." 



160 Cbapefcg 0f ffrlmfh'Tlj. 



of Holmfirtli," addressed, "To the Commissioners at Leeds." The interesting 
and curious revelations which it makes, will doubtless be accepted as a sufficient 
apology for its length. It is dated June 8th, 1650. 

" That the said chappelry should be divided from the parish churches of Kirkburton and Almonburie, 
and made a parish of itselfe ; and Holmfirth Chappel made the parish church. 

" That the Right Honorable the Commissioners hath returned and confirmed the same certificate into 
the High Court of Chancerie, under their hands, as by the certificate appeareth, for that the said chappel 
standeth five myles from the nearest of the churches of Kirkburton and Almonburie ; many of the 
inhabitants living six, seven, and some about eight miles, and the nearest Inhabitants above three miles 
from the nearer of the said churches. 

"And that the people of the Chappelrie of Holmfirth have congregated themselves in the said 
chappell for to heare the word of God preached ; the time whereof the memorie of man is not to the 
contrarie. 

" That Mr. Daniel Clarke, then incumbent, did consent and agree, with consent of diverse of the best 
and well affected in the said parish, with Gamaliel Appleyard, minister of God's word in the said chappel, 
for the cure of the Soules was soe many in the chappelrie that they could not resort to the said church, 
neither would the church contain them, and did invest upon him, the said Mr. Appleyard, the full moytie 
and half parte of all the tythes arisinge in the said chappelrie, for preachinge and officiatinge the cure in 
the said chappell : the said Mr. Appleyard did gather, divide, and enjoy the tythes with the said Mr. 
Clarke, with consent as aforesaid. 

" That Mr. Nathaniel Shirt, now Incumbent of Kirkburton, did consent and agree, with the consent of 
diverse of the best and well affected of the said parishioners, with Mr. Appleyard, now minister of God's 
word in the said Chappell, and did contynue and invest on him, the said Mr. Appleyard, the full moytie and 
halfe part of all the tythes belonging to the vicarage of Kirkburton within the chappelrie of Holmfirth, 
for preaching and officiatinge the cure in the said chappell, and the said Mr. Appleyard hath gathered, 
divided, and enjoyed the same with the said Mr. Shirt's consent accordingly. 

" The said Mr. Nathaniel Shirt did consent and agree, with- the consent of severall of the best 
and well affected Inhabitants of the parish of Kirkburton, with the said Mr. Appleyard, that the 
said Chappell of Holmfirth should be made parochiall, with full consent on both sides : the said Mr. 
Shirt receivinge the one halfe of all the tythes within the said Chappelrie to the vicarage of Kirkburton 
aforesaid. 

" That all the well affected within the said chappelrie of Holmfirth, with consent of diverse others of 
the well affected of the said parish of Kirkburton (with joynt consent), have petitioned and certified to this 
Honbie Com'ittee, that the said Chappell of Holmfirth be made parochial, as by their petition and 
certificate under their hands and certificate out of the Chancerie, and certificate under the hands and 
seales of several of the Justices of the Peace, within the West-Ridinge of the county of Yorke, remaininge 
in the office of the said Com'ittee, may and doth more at large appeare. 

" For that the said Inhabitants of the said chappelrie are not able to goe to the churches of Kirkburton 
and Almonburie, by reason that the nearest Inhabitants liveth above three miles from either of the said 
churches, and severall of the Inhabitants above eight miles, and the said chappell is above five miles, and 
that in the winter time when there have been great snowes, there are several men livinge that hath help't 



Cjjajjdhrg uf JMmMfj. 161 



to carrye corpes to the church, and were not able to reach that night, but lodged by the way, and made 
the best haste they could, and were not able to reach home the next day.* 

" That the Inhabitants of Holmfirth have alwayes, and still doth stand for the Parliaments' service, by 
reason whereof they had above Thirtie houses burned downe by the Armye against the Parliament, under 
the late Earle of Newcastle, five Regiments of the enemye's foot, three of Horse, and two of Dragoones, 
came into the said Chappelrie, killed, and tooke prisoners, and plundered and tooke away all their goods, 
soe that many lyed in prison, and the rest were forste from their owne habita'cons, to the great impoverish- 
ment and hurt of the poore Inhabitants. 

" That the said Inhabitants of Holmfirth did make and set forth a hundreth Musqueteers for the 
Parliament's service, by order of the late Lord General Fairfax ; and that there are severall of the sonnes 
and servants of the Inhabitants still in actual service of the Commonwealth. 

" That the said Mr. Shirt doth threaten the Churchwardens of the said Chappelrie of Holmfirth, to 
present them for everie month that they are absent from the church of Kirkburton. That the said Mr. 
Shirt hath read and preached in the church of Kirkburton, over several corps standing in the alley neare 
under tbe pulpit. 

" That the said Mr. Shirt hath not read the Act of Parliament for observinge the Lord's day, dayes of 
Humilia'con and Thanksgivinge.-j- 

" That they continue up the Armes of the late tyrant JKinge in both the churches of Kirkburton 
and Almonburie, contrarie to the Act of Parliament in that case made for abolishing of Kingship. 

" That William Hepworth is clarke of Kirkburton, and speaketh only for his owne advantage and 
benefit, for he hath troubled and sued severall of the poore Inhabitants of the said Chappelrie of Holm- 
firth, for two pence a person that were not able to goe to the church, and forced them to agree with him, 
for that he threatened them that he would doe mischieff to the Inhabitants of Holmfirth, if ever it 
lyed in his power. 

" That the said Inhabitants of the Chappelrie of Holmfirth hath a clarke at the said chappell, and that 
the said Hepworth was chosen clarke without their consent, therefore they ought to pay nothinge, for that 
they doe not resort to the church of Kirkburton, neither have they any benefit by him. 

" That Mr. Thomas Naylor, Incumbent of Almonburie, hath come forth of his owne parish to the said 
chappell of Holmfirth upon Lord's-day, and reckoned with severall people for Lambs, sittinge and 
tippleing in a Com'on Alehouse, to the dishonor of God and evil example to others. 

" That the said Mr. Naylor threatened the churchwardens of the said Chappelrie for to fine them in 
five pounds everie man for everie month they were absent from Almonburie, and shewed them a statute, 
and tould them it was in force : which is repealed by Act of this present Parliament. 

* In fthe parish register of Almonbury the following circumstance is recorded, which seems to confirm what is 
here said : 

" This year (1634-5), almost the whole winter was remarkable for frost and cold ; the snow was in such abundance and so 
drifted, that it was scarcely possible to go out of doors to the corn mill or the butchers. Many travellers perished in the 
storm, through hunger and cold. At which time the inhabitants of Over-Thong bringing for burial the corpse of 
Marmaduke Pepper, were detained in Honley, and brought it to the church the following day. This winter was much 
colder than that of the year 1614; so that it might he justly called the greatest, the severest, and longest. It began on 
the 10th January, and lasted till the 3rd March." 

+ Mr. Shirt was of a Presbyterian family, and did not sympathise with the party then in power, who had recently put 
Charles I. to death. 

J The word " tyrant" has a dash put through it, in paler ink, in the original MS. copy from which 1 quote, and it 
may therefore be considered as objectionable to the views of some at least of the parties subscribing. 

W 



162 fl&apdrs of W)olmMb. 



" That several of the best and well affected of the parish of Almonburie hath and doth consent and 
agree with the Inhabitants of the Chappelrie of Holmfirth, that the said Chappell be made parochial], by 
full consent on both sides."* 

" In the year 1651 or 2, the chappell was made parochial, and the chappell yard was walled in, and 
the doores set as they now stand ; and the yard was digged up a certain debth, and a great quantity of 
earth was led into it ; and the Curate or Minister there was authorized to marry, bury, &c, there ; and 
accordingly very many Inhabitants were buryed both in the Chappell and Chappell-yard. 

" When the Rev. Daniel Clarke was vicar of Kirkburton, he did condescend that ye Curate at Holm- 
firth should have and take the half of the tythes of Wool, Lamb, &c.,of the Inhabitants of the Chappelrie, 
within the parish of Kirkburton, which accordingly the Curate had and enjoyed for severall years (but with 
some struggling); after which, ye matters in difference were referred to Wm. Bosvile and Thomas Westby, 
Esquires, who by their award, made in writing, under their hands and seales, did order that ye Vicar of 
Kirkburton should receive the tithes of the Inhabitants, and that he should pay yearly to th.e Curate at 
Holmfirth, £20 (deducting twenty shillings per ann. of the same, for and towards the four pounds payd to 
Dewsbury) ; which accordingly was paid for divers years. But afterwards Mr. Nathaniel Shirt refused to 
pay it, so doth his successor, the present vicar [Mr. Briggs], neither doth he pay any other gratuity or 
sum of money in lieu thereof. 

* The foregoing petition educed the following official reply. Here, also, are subjoined a series of original evidences 

relating to these important changes at that period. 

" By the Committee for Plundered Ministers, February 25th, 1651. 

" Upon consideration of the Petition of the Inhabitants of the severall Hamlets of Wooldall, Hepworth, Cartworth, 

Holme, Austonley, Thonge and Scholes within the Chapelry of Holmfirth, within the vicarage of Kirkburton, in the 

West Riding of the county of Yorke. It is ordered, for the reasons in the said Petition contained, that the said Chappell 

of Holmfirth be made parochial, and the profits of the said Vicarage, arising within the said Hamlets and Chappelry, 

shall goe and be and allowed for and towards the maintenance of a godly and well affected Minister, to preach and 

officiate in the said Chappell, — unless good cause shall be showne to the contrary before the Committee, on the eighth 

day of April next ; whereof the present Minister of Kirkburton, and all other parties concerned, are to have due notice. 

" GILBT. MILLINGTON, 

"WILLIA. HAY, 

"WILLIAM HANSON, 

"JO. MOYLE." 

This was finally determined and officially announced to the inhabitants before the close of the year. 

" By the Trustees for the Maintenance of Ministers, October 29th, 1651. 

" Upon hearing parties on both sides, to the inquiry made concerning the fittnes of dividing the Chappell of Holmfirth, 

within the parish of Kirkburton, in the county of Yorke, from the said parish : and due considera'con had of the 

certificate of the Com'ission r s- returned upon an inquiry made by virtue of a Com'ission under the great Seale of England, 

issued in that behalfe. It is ordered that upon good security given for the advanceing a competent maintenance for the 

Minister of Holmfirth aforesaid, in the said county, without taking anything from the vicarage of Kirkburton, or bringing 

any charge on the revenue, the said Chappell be divided from the said parish, and made a distinct parish of itself, endowed 

with such maintenance as shall be so settled and secured as aforesaid. " JOHN THOROWGOOD, 

"R. A. HALL, 

"JOHN HUMFREY, 

"RICHARD YONG." 

The following is an order for granting a stipend to the minister : — 

" November 26th, 1651. Att the Com'ittee for Reformation of the Universities. 
" Whereas, this Com'ittee, the 7th of March last, directed the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers, the 6th of 
August last, to grant and pay for an Augmenta'con to such minister as shall officiate in the Chappell of Holmfirth, in the 
county of Yorke, the yearly sume of thirtie pounds; and this Com'ittee have this day received good certificate of the piety 



Cjwpxlrg of JijJraftrt|)r. 163 



" And so now again the Inhabitants do pay to the Curate at Holmfirth, 5d. 8d. or 10d., some more 
and some less, as they please, and according to their discretion, and as they judge the Curate deserveth. 
And some others of the Inhabitants have gone to other Assemblyes, upon the account of Divine worship, 
and so have given the Curate there nothing at all." 

At the restoration this church reverted to its former condition, in which it has 
since remained. From the increase of population, two new churches have been 
erected within its chapelry, and preparations are now being made for the erection 
of a third at Hepworth, to each of which, districts have been assigned. 

This church suffered very considerable damage by a very large flood, which 
occurred in 1777; and the edifice having become much too small for the increasing 
population of the neighbourhood, the whole was taken down in the following 
year, and rebuilt in its present form, with the exception of the tower, which was 
erected at a somewhat later period, when a peal of six bells was added. 

The present church is a large and commodious building in the Grecian style, 

and abilitie of Mr. Gamaliel Appleyard, minister of the said Chappell. It is now ordered by this Com'ittee that the said 
yearely sume of thirtie pounds bee paid to the said Mr. Appleyard, and the said Trustees are to pay the same accordingly. 

"JO. BOURCHIER, 
" H. EDWARDS, 
"VALENTINE WALTON, 
"JO. MOYLE, 
"RIC. ALDWORTH." 
The following is a copy of the authority probably given by the churchwarden, to receive the aforesaid grant. 

" October 1st, 1651. 
" These are to certitie to the Right Honorable the Com'ittee, and to whom the same may concerne, that wee, the 
Inhabitants within the Chappelrie of Holmfirth, whose names are subscribed, do desire and empower Mr. William 
Williamson, clerke to the Right Honorable Sir John Bourchier, to receive one quarter of the yeare's rent due before the 
date hereof formerly granted by the Honorable Com'ittee for regulating the Universities, to an able preaching Minister at 
Holmfirth Chappell, and to be payd by the Trustees, as by the same order may appeare to the use and behoofe of Gamaliel 
Appleyard, who doth officiate and preach in the said Chappell, who hath taken the engagement, and promised to be true 
and faithfull to this Commonwealth as it is now established. And we rest your humble servants." 

To complete the series of evidences of the Cmmonwealth period, connected with this ancient chapelry, I here 
give a copy from the original warrant given under the hands of two justices of the peace of the West-Riding, for the 
appointment of churchwardens to this church. One of the persons therein appointed being an ancestor of the author. 

" To Thomas Morehouse, Abraham Jaggar, and Thomas Charlesworth. 
" West-Riding of ) Whereas wee, whose names are here underwritten, Justices of the Peace for the said Riding, are now 
Yorkshire. ) certified by the Churchwardens of the Parochial Chapelry of Holmfirth, for the year last past, that 
the Inhabitants of the said Parochial Chapelry, have nominated and chosen you to whom these presents are directed to 
bee Churchwardens, or collectors of monyes for Churchdutyes, within the said Parochial Chapelry of Holmfirth, for the 
year following. Wee doe, therefore, according to an ordinance of Parliament, made for repairing of churches and payment 
of church dutyes, approve and allowe of the said nomina'con and elec'con ; and doe alsoe authorize you, and nevertheless 
straightly charge and command you forthwith upon sight hereof, to take upon you the execu'con of the said office within 
your said Parochial Chapelry, for this present yeare ; and this shall be your sufficient warrant for the same ; wherein faile 
you not, as you will answer the contrary, and avoyd the penalty and forfiture in the said Act limitted and appointed for 
contempt and neglect thereof. " HEN. TEMPEST, 

" Given under our hands and seales, the 28th day of April, 1658. " JO. PICKERING." 

w 2 



164 Cljagtlrg 0f goImftriFj. 



but the tower, at the east end, is Gothic, with four crocketted pinnacles. In the 
interior it has two aisles, a chancel, and three galleries : the one at the west end 
contains a powerful and excellent toned organ. 

The whole is preserved with neatness and order. 

The situation of the church is very objectionable, it is crowded on every side 
with buildings ; and by its projection into the street, renders one of the principal 
thoroughfares of the town very narrow and dangerous. 

By an order in council dated 7th May, 1858, this church was constituted a 
perpetual curacy and district parish. 

A CATALOGUE OP THE CUEATES OE HOLMPIETH CHAPEL [cHUECh], FEOM THE 

eepoemation to the peesent time. 

humpeay castel, ^ 
Thomas Didsbueye, 

"Whtwell, 

Stanclippe, 

HOYLE, 

Loed. " The inhabitants agreed to give him £12 per ann.," as " he 

esteemed it too low or base a thing to go from house to house for such wool 
and oats as the inhabitants would give him; and did desire them to let him 
have it all in money." 

Henet Hoult was next curate here, "with whom the inhabitants agreed to give 



These were " successively curates here at £6 13s. 4d. 
per ann. in money, and sent some persons up and 
down the chappelrye, for what wool and oats the 
inhabitants would give them." 



him £10." He continued curate here for about twelve years, till his death. He 
was buried 28th October, 1600. 

Adam Melloe was the next, with whom they agreed also to give £10 per ann. 
He resigned on being inducted to the rectory of Cumberworth, on the presenta- 
tion of Matthew Wentworth, of Bretton Hall, Esq., in 1602. 

John Faeney succeeded, "to whom the inhabitants gave £10 per ami., and 
wool and oats as aforesaid." 

Nathaniel Hunt was the next appointed ; but resigned. 

Edwaed Beoadehead became his successor : he also resigned. 

John Hall was the immediate successor, and is supposed to have resigned. 

Nicholas G-eeaves, M.A., succeeded Mr. Hall : but resigned. He was after- 
wards presented to the rectory of Tankersley, on t the 26th May, 1634, by John 
Kaye, of Woodsome, Esq., where he died. 

Stephen Owen was the next. The five last-mentioned " received the same as 
Mr. John Farney." 



Cljanclrn of jMmfirtlj. 165 



Willlam Beoadhead was next in succession. " The inhabitants agreed to give 
him about £20 per ann., and eight shilhngs payd by some persons that dwelt 
in houses built nigh the chappel." He resigned. 

John Binns, M.A., ivas the next. He was curate here about nine years, till 
his death in 1646. 

Gamaliel Appleyaed, B.A., was here in 1647, and it is therefore probable he 
was Mr. Binns's immediate successor. He took the "engagement," and he 
seems to have remained here till near the Restoration. 

Thomas Didsbuey was curate here in 1664. 

John Savile was curate here, where he died, and was interred 12th February, 
1685. 

Edmund Robinson, M.A., was Mr. Savile's immediate successor. He resided 
at Bank End, in Thurstonland : where more may be found concerning him. 

Thomas Blythe was curate here in 1700. It is probable he immediately 
succeeded Mr. Robinson. He died here, and was buried 5th August, 1705. 

Teighles was curate here in 1707. 

William Thompson was appointed curate on the 25th March, 1711, and took 
possession on the 20th May following. He remained here till his death, on 
the 17th March, and was buried on the 19th, 1743 ; aged about 60 years. 
"He was interred under the communion table in the chapel; Mr. Croft, of 
Honley, read the service. His funeral was attended by a numerous class of 
friends." 

John Haeeop, B.A., was inducted on the 31st July, 1743. He died February 
6th, 1795, aged 75 years. 

Richard Ceuttwell, LL.B., was appointed on the death of Mr. Harrop, and 
was succeeded by 

The Rev. Richaed Ebenezee Leach, the present incumbent, who has also been 
appointed a surrogate for the proving of wills. 

Utomtmmial Inscriptions. 

M. S. Reverendi Johannis Harrop, Aub. Cath. Cantab., A.B., hujus Capellse de Holmfirth, per annos 
quinquagenta et quinque* Pastor fidelissimus extetit : Sacra Dei sanctissime coluit: Maritus optimus amicus 
carus. Suis amandus. Vixit omnibus defletus, obiit 6° Februarii, A.D. 1795 ; aetat 75. 

Sarah, wife of James Harrop, of Holmfirth, daughter of the late John Kenworthy, of Hades, she 
departed this life April 10th, 1805 ; aged 46 years. Also the said James Harrop, son of the Rev. John 
Harrop, died 7th May, 1811 ; aged 54 years. 

* This is an error : he was fifty-one years incumbent. 



166 Cljupxlrg uf jMittftrtlj. 



Sarah, wife of Thomas Dransfield, of Wooldale, died 25th April, 1829 ; aged 68 years. Also the said 
Thomas Dransfield, died 16th October, 1841 ; aged 84 years. 

Joshua Wilson, of Holmfirth, died 23 October, 1768 ; aged 85 years. Also John Harrop, died 20th 
April, 1778 ; aged 23 years. John Wilson died 21st April, 1778 ; aged 60 years. Also Joseph Harrop, 
died 20th September, 1787 ; aged 23 years. Rachel, the daughter of Joshua Wilson, of Holmfirth, died 
7th August, 1790; aged 71 years. Also Sarah, the wife of the Rev. John Harrop, departed this life 
6th August, 1792 ; aged 71 years. 

Frances, wife of John Wimpenny, of Booth House, died April 28th, 1804; aged 90 years. Also the 
said John Wimpenny, died July 14th, 1804 ; aged 90 years. 

Hannah, wife of John Kenworthy, of Hades, died March 25th, 1780 ; aged 62 years. The said John 
Kenworthy died May 25th, 1785 ; aged 65 years. 

The Rev. Joseph Broadhurst, of Holme, died 21st November, 1806; aged 57 years. 
Hannah, wife of Joseph Hinchliif, of Stand Bank, died June 17th, 1812. 

Cookson Stephenson, of Sands, departed this life February 29th, 1828 ; aged 61 years. Mary, his 
wife, died 22nd May, 1822 ; aged 59 years. 

Sarah, wife of William Stephenson, of Holmfirth, solicitor, second daughter of the late Mr. Words- 
worth, of Thorp Heys, surgeon; she died 5th July, 1833, aged 37 years. Also the said William 
Stephenson, died 28th November, 1841 ; aged 46 years. 

James Farrar, of Prickleden, died the 5th September, 1826; aged 52 years. Thomas, eldest son of 
James and Ann Farrar, died April 16th, 1836 ; aged 38 years. 

Rebecca, wife of Benjamin Bates, of Winney Bank, died June 8th, 1797 ; aged 80 years. Benjamin, 
son of the above Benjamin Bates, died 9th March, 1776; aged 24 years. Hannah, daughter of the said 
Benjamin Bates, died March 17th, 1804; aged 60 years. Also the above Benjamin Bates, died April 
23rd, 1808 ; aged 92 years. 

Mary Green, widow of Christopher Green, of Austonley, died 5th of November, 1763, in the 80th year 
of her age. Anthony Green, of Austonley, died 8th of March, 1798, in the 78th year of his age. 
Edmund Green, of Austonley, died 26th of January, 1799, in the 77th year of his age. James Green, of 
Green House, died 27th of August, 1799, in the 73rd year of his age. Sarah, wife of the abovesaid 
Edmund Green, died September 27th, 1804; aged 77 years. 

James Whiteley, of Lower Mill, October 4th, 1844; aged 64 years. 

Mary, wife of Joseph Leak, of Holme, died September 16th, 1782 ; aged 20 years. The said Joseph 
Leak, died October 13th, 1831 ; aged 79 years. 

Jonathan Brook, of Shaley, died July 12th, 1800; aged 68 years. Mary, wife of the said Jonathan 
Brook, died June 22nd, 1815 ; aged 77 years. 

Mary, wife of William Duckenfield, died November 12th, 1822; aged 69 years. The said William 
Duckenfield, died April 3rd, 1829; aged 80 years. 

Thomas Bray, of Cinderhills, died June 2nd, 1761 ; aged 73 years. Mary, wife of John Bray, of 
Back Lane, died April 26th, 1781 ; aged 50 years. The said John Bray, died July 21st, 1800; aged 
76 years. 

Martha, wife of Joshua Smith, of Hill, died March 2nd, 1774, in the 57th year of her age. The said 
John Smith, died March 15th, 1780; aged 64 years. 

John Lockwood, of Moss Edge, January 1st 1822; aged 85 years. Martha, wife of the said John 
Lockwood, died January 24th, 1823 ; aged 6? years. 

Sarah, wife of Robert Ramsden, of Cliff, died January 6th, 1848 ; aged 59 years. 



Cjmpclnj of f olntfirtfj. 167 



John Hampshire, of Broad Lane, died January 12th, 1799 ; aged 66 years. Hannah, wife of the said 
John Hampshire, died May 3rd, 1812 ; aged 73 years. 

John Hampshire, of Upperthong, died April 15th, 1830; aged 70 years. Mary, wife of the said John 
Hampshire, died March 1st, 1855 ; aged 77 years. 

Rachel, wife of Edmund Leak, of Ramsden, died August 26th, 1813 : aged 32 years. William Leak, 
of Bawshaw, died February 17th, 1837; aged 82 years. The abovesaid Edmund Leak, died May 17th, 
1844, in the 79th year of his age. 

John Whitehead, of Upper Bridge, died December 26th, 1786; aged 72 years. Lydia, his wife, died 
August 3rd, 17S9 ; aged 73 years. 

Joshua Beardsell, of Underbank, died March 24th, 1833, aged 66 years. 

Joseph Charlesworth, of this town, died 27th January, 1822 ; aged 61 years. Also Penelope, his wife, 
died 28th June, 1841 ; aged 72 years. 

Ruth, wife of Joseph Charlesworth, died 16th. September, 1830; aged 42 years. Also Anne, his 
second wife, died May 31st, 1851 ; aged 58 years. The said Joseph Charlesworth, died April 10th, 
1852 ; aged 59 years. 

Sarah, daughter of George and Sarah Favrar, of Prickleden, died 2nd June, 1827; aged 23 years. 
James Hinchliff, their son, died June 5th, 1830; aged 22 years. Joseph, their son, died December 2nd, 
1832 ; aged 30 years. The said George Farrar, died May 6th, 1838 ; aged 65 years. Also Sarah, his 
wife, died 20th August, 1849 ; aged 72 years. John Hobson, son of the above-named George and Sarah 
Farrar, died June 3rd, 1854 ; aged 43 years. 

James Stocks, surgeon, Holmfirth, died April 18th, 1832 ; aged 51 years. Ann, his wife, died August 
4th, 1843; aged 57 years. John Howard, of Wood-hey Barn, died April 5th, 1825; aged 64 years. 
Mary, his wife, died April 16th, 1853 ; aged 90 years. Mary, wife of Francis Littlewood, of Upper- 
bridge, died June 14th, 1807; aged 56 years. The said Francis Littlewood, died April 21st, 1837; 
aged 85 years. 

Josias Wordsworth, of Holmfirth, surgeon, died March 19th, 1807; aged 72 years. Elizabeth, his 
wife, died February 4th, 1811 ; aged 74 years. 

Matthew Bower, of Upperbridge, died September 28th, 1829; aged 61 years. Mary, his wife, died 
March 27th, 1849 ; aged 77 years. John Boothroyd, of Holmfirth, died February 25th, 1825 ; aged 76 
years. Nancy, wife of Richard Boothroyd, died March 11th, 1854; aged 80 years. The said Richard 
Boothroyd died April 17th, 1856; aged 83 years. 

Alice, wife John Hinchliff, of Cross, died April 20th, 1843 ; aged 68 years. The said John Hinchliff, 
died March 25th, 1844 ; aged 70 years. 

The register books for baptisms and burials commence in 1797. 
For the endowment see appendix. 

The Rushbeabing. 

In connexion with the chapelry may be mentioned the Rushbearing, which, a 
century ago, constituted one of the popular holidays and annual exhibitions of the 
district. It has been discontinued nearly eighty years. 

For an account of the manner in which the Rush Carts were prepared and 
decorated, and for a description of the whole cavalcade, the author was indebted 



168 Cljajxelnj jof IfoIntKrilj. 



to the late Mr. Joseph Holmes, of Underbank, near Holmfirth ;* and these 
are the more interesting as describing probably the last of these exhibitions 
here. 

" One of the most gorgeous displays of rural and vulgar pastime, which has now been discontinued 
above fifty years, was the Rushbearing. These gaudy and even costly amusements were not peculiar to 
our district, being common at that time at least in several parts of Lancashire and Cheshire. 

" To have any just idea of the imposing scene, a person must have been present ; words may represent 
the preparations and general process in getting up this grand show, but to see the idol in all its splendour, 
is vastly more striking. I have seen numbers, sometimes from three to seven in one day, got up in 
different hamlets, but all terminating at one point — Holmfirth parochial chapel. 

Here the demolition took place, and the rushes were distributed in the different pews — perhaps by the 
occupiers of those pews, or by their orders ; which being during harvest time, the chapel having only a 
mud floor, must have been a very comfortable preparation for winter. 

" In preparing the Rush Cart much care and management were required : a common cart was used, 
upon which the rushes were built in the form of a loaded coach, or cart load of hay, overhanging both 
sides and ends, especially the latter. 

" The builder (a connoisseur, no doubt), being provided with several loads of rushes, cut and brought 
from the commons, together with small rods for prickers, and also cords. His assistants form the rushes 
into small tight bundles ; with these he fills the body of the cart, carrying up the sides and ends as 
already mentioned, to a considerable height, securing the whole by prickers and cord. Then the entire 
surface is shorn in the most regular and even manner, and the ends ornamented like carving. All this is 
only the mere groundwork. The ornamental part now commences. This consists of all the flowers the 
season and the surrounding gardens can supply, arranged with all the ingenuity and taste the builder is 
master of ; the whole being sprinkled with tinsel ornament. 

" Now for the procession. Here is the greatest attention to display. If the pageant is to be drawn 
along by horses, they are caparisoned with all conceivable splendour. But the Rush Cart is often drawn 
by young men. A fine clean linen shirt covers their other vestments ; this is all over ornamented with 
ribbons of every shade and colour, put on in every imaginable form : these are furnished by their relations, 
sweethearts, or by any of whom they can borrow for the occasion. When it is not drawn by men, they are 
employed to ride on horseback, decked out in a similiar manner, and furnished with muskets, which they 
fire at short intervals : these precede the carriage. The procession is announced by beat of drum, — bands 
of music were not common here till the termination of the late French war. An old drummer from about 
Huddersfield, called Marlborough (from having served under that great general), was often engaged for 
these occasions. 

" One of these displays from Scholes, perhaps the last from that village, was preceded by from twenty 
to forty horsemen, equipped as above. It took place between sixty and seventy years ago ; I myself saw 
and accompanied the procession." 

* He was a schoolmaster. The account was written in 1838. He died at an advanced age. 



Cofoit jrf JtflmMjr. 169 



The Town of Holmfieth. 

Tkis town* is singularly situated in a deep and narrow valley on the river 
Holme, surrounded by three stupendous hills ; two of which having bold and 
irregular surfaces, rise rapidly from the banks of the streams to a considerable 
height ; while the third, rising from the river with a more regular ascent to a less 
elevation, presents a verdant and pleasing aspect. 

Holmfirth stands upon the verge of three townships, viz. : Wooldale, Cartworth, 
and TJpperthong. The two former of these are separated by the Ribbleden brook, 
the last from them by the river Holme : but connected by three bridges. 

Perhaps the first nucleus of a village here may date from the circumstance of 
the erection of the lord's mill, for the grinding of the corn of the inhabitants of 
the graveship. 

The more ancient, as well as the most populous part of the town, lies within 
the Wooldale division ; which comprises also the Underbank and Gully, — being a 
continuation of the same bold, rugged, and precipitous front, extending along the 
Ribbleden valley. At a somewhat higher elevation is seen the bold and rocky 
outline of Wooldale cliff; beneath which, and along the Underbank, extending 
down into the valley, are numerous houses and groups of cottages, forming 
irregular terraces, which rise in rapid succession, crowding and overtopping 
each other, giving to the place a singularly striking, but not a prepossessing 
appearance. 

The streets here are narrow, winding, steep, and dangerous, except along the 
turnpike roads, where a greater width is preserved, and where the houses are 
built with more regularity. In this part of the town stands the church, which is 
of ancient foundation. 

On the Ribbleden turnpike road stands the National School, a large substantial 
building, erected in the year 1826, at a cost of £1,300, and which will contain 
three hundred and fifty scholars. 

On the north entrance of the town is the Railway Station, and terminus of the 
Holmfirth branch of the Huddersfield and Penistone Railway, belonging to the 
Lancashire and Yorkshire Company. This line was opened in 1850 ; since which 
time this part of the town has undergone considerable improvement by the 
erection of a number of superior houses and shops, and a large handsome hotel 
(Victoria), near to the station, built by Bentley Shaw, Esq., of Woodfield House, 

* In designating Holmfirth a " Town," it must not be understood in the literal sense of the word. Strictly speaking 
it is neither town, village, nor hamlet ; neither does it possess any defined boundary. 

X 



170 



®0ton of llnlmfirib. 



Lockwood. At a short distance also stands the "Druids' Hall," a large 
substantial building, erected by one of the secret orders — the "Druids" — at a 
cost of £1,800. 

That part of the town which lies within Cartworth is comparatively small, and 
not having undergone much modern improvement, its appearance is very similar 
to the older part of the town already mentioned. 

The most regularly built part of the town, as well as the more modern, is that 
within the township of Upperthong, sometimes called Neivtown, together with 
Ujoperbridge. The streets here are wider, and the houses built with greater 
regularity. 

The Huddersfield and Woodhead turnpike road passes through this part of the 
town, and runs parallel with the river. The east and west sides of the river are 
connected by three public bridges. The Victoria Bridge, and the handsomely 
built street of the same name, form the principal thoroughfare between the 
two sides. 

Gas works were constructed here in 1840, for the supply of the town and 
neighbourhood with gas. 




The Town Hall 

Is a handsome structure, built in 1842, at the cost of £2,200, raised in shares. 

In this part of the town is St. John's Church. The Independent Dissenters, 
the Wesleyan Methodists, and Wesleyan Reformers have each handsome and 



Cotott at f fllmfurijj. 171 



commodious chapels. To each of these places of worship are attached Sunday- 
schools. These will be more particularly noticed under the township of Upper- 
thong. 

The Holmfirth Mechanics' Institute was founded in 1844, and the Church of. 
England Literary Society was established in 1847. Both are well supported. 

Holmfirth was constituted, in 1837, one of the polhng places for the election of 
parliamentary representatives of the West-Riding. 

The magistrates of the district hold their Petty Sessions every alternate 
Saturday. The County Court for the Holmfirth district is held monthly in the 
Town Hall. 

A Police Station containing three cells, with the inspector's house, was built 
here in 1857, out of the fund of the county rate, at the cost of £1,000. 

There is a society for the prosecution of felons : founded in 1813. 

Three fairs are held in the year, viz., on the Saturday before the 31st March, 
Saturday after the 4th May, and the last Saturday in October. The first fair 
held at Holmfirth was in October, 1725. 

The town of Holmfirth contains about 5,000 inhabitants. 

Tradesmen's Tokens. 

During the Commonwealth and in the early part of the reign of Charles II., many 
tradesmen were under the necessity of issuing halfpence, owing to the great 
scarcity of copper money; but in 1672, the government issued afresh supply, 
when the "tokens" were cried down by proclamation. 

We have been able to discover only one token issued here at that period. The 
only specimen we have seen is, unfortunately, imperfect, 
having lost the impression of one side, containing the 
name of the person by whom it had been issued. The 
side winch is comparatively perfect, has the initials of 
the person's name, and those of his wife, as shown 
in the subjoined sketch. 

Mr. Jessop records in his diary, in 1740, September 17th, having received a 
"token," which had been issued from Almonbury : " It is one of Nicholas Greaves'* 
(of Almonbury) half-pennies; it was coined in 1668, when shopkeepers had liberty 
to coin half-pennies." 

* This Nicholas Greaves seems to have been the son of the Eev. Nicholas Greaves, who had been incumbent of 
Holmfirth, in 1630 ; afterwards rector of Tankersley, to which he had been appointed by John Kaye, of Woodsome, Esq. 

x2 




ftofamsljip of MooRral*. 



This township forms the lower part of the graveship of Holme, and has an ancient 
village of the same name, pleasantly situated on an elevation, having a fine aspect 
and sheltered from the west winds, but not presenting in itself an attractive 
appearance. 

Since the enclosure of the common lands within the graveship of Holme, this 
township, which is of considerable extent, has become by far the most populous 
of any within our topographical survey. The greater part of the town of Holm- 
firth is comprehended within its limits, together with several populous hamlets. 

This township is mentioned in the Domesday survey as "Vluedal," and is 
described along with five others which were then returned as waste. The name 
is undoubtedly a corruption of Wolf dale, and indicates its having been the resort 
of those destructive animals, the prevalence of which, to a comparatively late 
period, in many of the mountainous districts of Yorkshire is a sufficient proof of 
the great difficulty there must have been in extirpating them. There are other 
places in this district which acquired their names from the same source, as Wolf- 
stones, a rocky eminence about a mile from Holmfirth, along the north-western 
boundary of the graveship. 

Mr. Hunter,* in reference to the district immediately to the south of this, says 
"The wolf found recesses. in these woods even to a late period. Wolf-pits, 
between Dodworth and Silkstone, are mentioned in a charter of the reign of 
Henry I. The Wolf-pits, near Slade-Hooton, appear in a charter about a century 
later, and in the reign of Edward I., we find Wolf-pit Cliff, near Aughton, and 
the luporum fovea not a proper name, at Wolley." These clearly indicate the 
method then usually adopted for their destruction. 

Wooldale Hall. 

This small mansion, which stands about the centre of the village, was built about 
the close of the reign of Queen Anne by Mr. Blihu Jackson, who was the eldest 
son of Mr. Henry Jackson, of Totties Hall. Here he resided for some years, but 
subsequently removed to Doncaster, where he had been engaged for many years 

* South Yorkshire, vol. i., page 3. 



Cxrbmsjrip of WiooMk. 173 



previously in an extensive medical practice. He married Katherine, daughter of 
Mr. Vicars, of Doncaster (of the family of Thomas Cartwright, als. Vicars, who 
devised a large property to charitable uses), by whom he had issue an only child, 
Henrietta Katherine, sole heiress to her father. He died in 1730. Mrs. Jackson 
survived him many years — dying in 1749. 

Henrietta Katherine Jackson married William Salkeld, merchant and citizen of 
London (grandson of Sir Francis Salkeld, of Whitehall, in the county of Cumber- 
land), who had issue three daughters, viz., Katherine, Ann, and Mary. Mr. 
Salkeld died in 1754. 

Katherine — the eldest daughter — married, first, Hay, who died soon after; 

secondly, a Mr. Clement, from whom she separated : having no issue. 

Ann Salkeld — the second daughter — married, in 1742, Richard Annesley, the 
sixth Earl of Anglesea. The offspring of this marriage was an only surviving 
child — Richard Annesley; who, after his father's death, became a claimant of his 
titles, honors, and estates. He being the only descendant in the third degree 
from Mr. Elihu Jackson, and the validity of this marriage being for some time a 
contested question, first in the English House of Peers, and afterwards in that of 
Ireland, it will not be altogether foreign to our subject to furnish a brief state- 
ment of the circumstances of this remarkable case, more especially with a view to 
correct the inaccuracies of Mr. Burke, both in his " Peerage," and in Ins "Extinct 
and Dormant Peerages," whose account of this part of the Annesley pedigree is 
incorrect, not only from its omissions, but from its misstatement of facts. 

Richard Annesley, Viscount Valentia, Baron Mount Norris and Altham, in the kingdom of Ireland, 
and Earl of Anglesea and Baron of Newport Pagnel in the British peerage, was the youngest son of 
Richard, Lord Altham, and had been an ensign in the army. It was not until the year 1727, on the 
death of Arthur, the fifth Earl of Anglesea, that he succeeded to the titles and honours of the femily, of 
which, as Burke states, he was not left in the uninterrupted enjoyment; "for soon after his accession, a 
claimant arose in the person of Mr. James Annesley, who asserted that he was himself the son of Arthur, 
fourth Lord Altham ; and a publication entitled ' The Adventures of an Unfortunate Young Nobleman,' 
gave a very extraordinary and interesting narrative of his case. In that statement it is alleged that Mr. 
Annesley was the true and lawful son and heir of Arthur, Lord Altham, and that he had been kidnapped 
and transported by his uncle Richard, to make room for his own accession to the honors and, estates of 
of the family. 

" Mr. Annesley followed up the matter, instituted a suit at law for the recovery of the estates, and after 
a trial in the Court of Exchequer in Ireland, James Annesley, versus Richard, called Earl of Anglesea, 
begun on the 11th November, 1743, and continued daily by adjournment to the 25th of the same month, 
obtained a verdict. We believe, however, that he did not live long after, as the uncle, notwithstanding 
this decision, continued to enjoy the honors and fortune. The conduct of that person throughout the 
whole course of his iniquitous career, fully sustained the presumption that he had been very capable of 
committing the foul crime thus laid to his charge." 



174 Cjofamsjjip jirf Ifalimk 



In 1727 Richard, Earl of Anglesea, became enamoured, while in Dublin, with Anne Simpson, the 
only daughter of a wealthy citizen, then scarcely fifteen years of age, whom he married privately : her 
father was at first much displeased, but afterwards became reconciled. By her he had issue three 
daughters, and at that time she was recognised as the Countess of Anglesea. It was, however, afterwards 
discovered that he had previously married one Anne Phrust, of Devonshire, in England, who was living 
at the time of his marriage with Anne Simpson, but who died the 13th August, 1741, without any issue 
by the earl. 

The said Earl Richard afterwards entered into a treaty of marriage with Anne, the daughter of William 
Salkeld, then of the city of London, a merchant, of good family, extensive trade, and considerable 
property ; and the marriage was accordingly had and duly solemnized, in May, 1742,* between them, 
agreeable to the rites of the Church of England, and by a regular clergyman of that church, in the 
presence of several persons of reputation and veracity ; and from thenceforth the said Earl Richard and 
Anne, his wife, resided together, and were known and reputed for such ; and the said Anne was 
acknowledged and treated as the lawful consort of the said earl, and accordingly did openly participate of 
and use the titles and honors of her said husband. The said Anne died in London, in some few years 
after her said marriage, leaving issue Richard Annesley, her only child by the said husband, and then an 
infant of very tender years; and thereupon he was by his father removed into Ireland, and kept there 
far from his mother's friends and relations, who all resided in Great Britain. 

About the same time the Earl of Anglesea entered into an improper connexion with one Gillion, or 
Juliana Donovan, the daughter of one Richard Donovan, who sold an unlicensed kind of ale called 
" Shebeen," in a cabin or hut in the village of Camolen, where Lord Anglesea resided. She obtained 
great influence over him, and exerted such an ascendancy against Richard Annesley — then an infant, and 
far distant from his mother's friends — in favour of her own children by the said earl, that, unhappily, she 
at length succeeded in abating the affection of the father towards his son Richard, and exerted her utmost 
endeavour to exclude him from the hereditary honors and property of his family, hoping to procure them 
for her own issue. 

About the end of the year 1741, the earl took Juliana Donovan into his house as a menial servant, in 
which condition she continued many years, during which time she had several children, — one named 
Arthur, who was born in 1744, after the earl's death, claimed to be Earl of Anglesea. His claim was 
founded upon the marriage of the said Earl Richard with the said Juliana Donovan, his mother : which 
was stated to have taken place in 1741, but which his opponent stated did not take place until 1752. f 

It is certain that the Earl of Anglesea did not acknowledge his marriage till 1752, and that Juliana 
Donovan till nearly that time gave receipts and signed sureties for money by her maiden name ; and in 
1751, by the same name, entered up a judgment in the Court of Exchequer in Ireland, — which remains 
upon record. On the other hand, " a certificate of marriage in 1741 was produced in favour of Arthur, 
which has not been legally invalidated." 

* This marriage is not noticed in Burke's " Peerage," in connexion with Mount Norris. 

+ Burke, in his " Peerage," observes that "he is said to have married three wives, two of whom he heartlessly abandoned, 
and the offspring of the third was unable but partially to establish his legitimacy." The fact is, that he married four 
wives, as the reader will perceive. The third wife alluded to by Mr. Burke was in reality his fourth wife, whom he styles 
" Miss Donovan," and observes that he has been led to extract from Jacob a statement regarding this lady in the "Extinct 
and Dormant Peerage," which, upon investigation, he finds to be full of error. Miss Donovan so far from being of mean 
l>irth and disreputable character, was a person very highly esteemed, and the niece of Richard Donovan, Esq., of Bally- 
more, a gentleman of large estate and great respectability, in the county of Wexford. Her mother was Miss Nixon, 



Cufamsijtp of TOrofoal*. 175 



On the 7th April, 1759, the Earl of Anglesea, though at that time under sentence of excommunication, 
made his will, by which he bequeathed to Julian, by the name of his beloved wife Juliana, Countess of 
Anglesea, a rent-charge of £1,000 a year, and all his personal estate. 

The said earl died in 1761, under sentence of excommunication, and Julian possessed herself of his 
personal estate, to the amount of £20,000. 

Upon the decease of the Earl of Anglesea, Arthur Annesley, pretending to be the eldest son of the 
said earl by Juliana, and born in lawful wedlock, did, without giving any manner of notice to Richard 
Annesley (the son of the said earl by Anne Salkeld, his late wife), and without divulging the real circum- 
stances or situation of the family, surreptitiously obtain a seat amongst the Right Honorable the Peers of 
Ireland, as Viscount Valentia and Baron of Mount Norris and Altham. 

The said Arthur having thus imposed himself upon the Right Honorable the Lords of Ireland, 
proceeded to claim the titles of Earl of Anglesea and Baron of Newport Pagnel, before the Right 
Honorable the House of Lords of Great Britain, alleging himself the lawful son and heir of the late earl 
by the above-named Juliana Donovan. But such pretences having then become a matter of public 
notoriety, opposition was given thereto, and the circumstances and situation of the family, and of the said 
Earl of Anglesea in particular, with respect to his marriage with the said Juliana, and of the time thereof, 
were laid in evidence before the house ; and as it appeared thereupon before their lordships that the said 
late earl did, in the year 1752, about eleven years after his marriage with the said Richard Annesley \s 
(present claimant) mother, Ann Salkeld, intermarry with the said Juliana Donovan, now Countess of 
Anglesea. But the said Arthur, hoping to upset the marriage between the parents of Richard Annesley 
(claimant), in the year 1742, then pretended that the said earl had intermarried with the before-named 
Juliana Donovan, in the county of Wexford, so early as the 15th September, 1741, a month after the 
death of the said Anne Phrust. 

Their lordships having heard all the evidence produced by and in behalf of the said Arthur, touching 
the pretended marriage, and having taken into considf ration the testimony of the said Juliana, Countess 
of Anglesea, delivered at their bar ; and having been thereupon satisfied that the said Juliana was not then 
or for above eleven years afterwards, duly married unto, or acknowledged as the lady of the late earl ; 
they, upon the 22nd day of April, 1771, were pleased to resolve and judge, That the said Arthur has not 
any right to the title, honors, and dignities so claimed by him. 

The said claimant, Richard Annesley, next presented his petition to his Excellency the Lord 
Lieutenant of Ireland, praying to have his claim to the said Irish honors laid before his Majesty, in order 
that the same might be put into a proper course of examination and decision ; and also seeking such other 
relief as unto his Excellency should seem proper. 

The following notice of this affair appeared in the London Evening Post of the 4th April, 1772: — 
" Richard Annesley, the claimant to the titles and honors of Richard, the late Earl of Anglesea, is the 

daughter of George Nixon, Esq., of Newtown, in the same county." The account which we have given of the family of 
Juliana Donovan, and her marriage with the Earl of Anglesea, is taken from the Gentleman's Magazine, where full 
particulars of the case were given at the time the legality of the marriages was being contested ; and it seems extremely 
probable that the statements made in that respectable journal, and at the time the case was pending, would be in 
accordance with the evidence then given before the house ; and that had it been either partial or incorrect, there is little 
doubt the editor would have been called upon to correct it. No such correction have I, however, been able to discover. 
Mr. Burke also states that the claimant of the said honors of the Annesley family, in opposition to the son of Julian 
Donovan, was "James Annesley, Esq., as heir at law," who is not shewn to have any immediate connexion with Richard, 
late Earl of AngleBea ; a further proof that he did not fully comprehend the true bearing of the case. 



176 



^otottsljip uf Mflflluale. 



legitimate son of the said ear], by Ann, second daughter of William Salkeld, of the city of London, 
merchant, and great granddaughter to Sir Francis Salkeld, of White Hall, in the county of Cumberland, 
and granddaughter to Elihu Jackson, Esq., of Wooldale Hall, in Yorkshire." 

On the 2nd June, 1772, " the long contested Valentia cause was decided by the House of Peers in 
Ireland, in favour of the sitting lord ; nineteen were for him, and only six against him. Several lords did 
not vote upon the question, — which seemed doubtful. It is somewhat remarkable that this noble lord is 
illegitimate in England, and the true son of his father in Ireland, and that he has been so declared by two 
tribunals, each supreme in its decisions upon the question of the different peerages."* 

Mary Salkeld, the third daughter, married Lieutenant James Preston, R.N". 
She died without issue. Lieutenant Preston was many years engaged in active 
service, under the command of Admiral Sir Charles Hardy ; and he ultimately 
attained the rank of captain. He resided, in the latter years of his life, at Wool- 
dale Hall, where he died in 1807, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. 




Totties Hall. 

A substantially-built mansion in the small hamlet of Totties : having much the 
appearance of a manor house. It is about half a mile distant from the village of 
Wooldale, to the southward. It consists of a centre, and two projecting wings. 
The engraving above will best convey an idea of its precise character. 

Over the principal entrance is cut in the stone H J k. — the initial letters of the 
builder's name, and that of his wife; and over another door is the date, " 1684," 
when the house was erected. Mr. Henry Jackson, the builder, possessed a 
considerable estate in the graveship ; and on this, as well as on other accounts, is 
entitled to a brief notice. 

* Gentleman's Magazine. 



Cflbmsfpjj at WiooMU. 177 



The family of Jackson — -which has become extinct in the male line, or at least 
has long ceased to have any connexion with the district, — was of long standing 
in this parish. The name is to be frequently met with in ancient copies of court 
roll, and other instruments connected with this district. The family appear to 
have been seated many generations at Mealhill, in the township of Hepworth. I 
have met with Humfray Jackson, of Mealhill, who married Margaret Crosland, 
by whom he had a son Henry, baptized at Kirkburton, 3rd June, 1593, which 
son, during the civil wars, was in King Charles I.'s service, a cornet in Captain 
Joshua Castle's troop, under the command of Sir Francis Mackworth ; afterwards 
under Colonel Thompson, in the north of England. He married, in 1635, 
Elizabeth, daughter of George Tyas (and widow of Oliver Roberts, of Wooldale, 
she having issue by her first husband one child, Oliver, very young at the time of 
his father's death), by whom he had two children — a son, Henry, and a daughter, 
Elizabeth. He died in 1667. 

Elizabeth Jackson, the daughter, married in 1663 to Gervas, son of Robert 
Leek, of Horbury, Gentleman. Henry Jackson, his son and heir, who was the 
builder of Totties Hall, became an early convert and an active follower of George 
Fox, the founder of the Quakers, and like the early converts of that sect, he 
manifested a strong spirit of antagonism to the Established Church, and its 
priesthood. He had received a liberal education, and possessed an ample fortune, 
since in addition to his paternal estate, he had been made his principal heir by 
his half-brother, Oliver Roberts of "Wooldale, who died in 1668, without issue. 
These circumstances combined to give him considerable local influence. 

It is more particularly as a leader of a religious sect that his name is now 
remembered. He was the principal founder of the Meeting House at Wooldale. 
He was probably instrumental also in founding the Highflatts meeting, in the 
township of Denby, which originated about the same period. He travelled 
through many parts of England, preaching and spreading the doctrinal views of 
the Quakers : for which he was subjected to many trials and hardships. He 
suffered imprisonment along with many Quakers and other Nonconformists, " for 
resorting to unlawful conventicles," and "absenting themselves from church." 

When James II. resolved, for his own political purposes, to grant to all his 
subjects religious liberty, Henry Jackson was then a prisoner in York Castle, for 
nonconformity, and, together with many others, was released by an order dated 
30th March, 1686, directing that all persons confined there "for conscience 
sake," should be set at liberty. He married, in accordance with the forms of the 
society, Katherine, the daughter of Charles Cooke, of Haitfield, the 8th February, 



178 



©ofonsjjip of ^SEorfllbaie. 



1665, by -whom lie had issue three sons, — first, Elihu, afterwards of Wooldale 
Hall, of whom we have already spoken ; second, Henry, succeeded his father at 
this place ; and, third, Abel became a merchant in London. He had also one 

daughter, , who married Gervase Seaton. 

He remained steadfast in his religious views to the close of his life, and died at 
an advanced age in 1710, and was interred in the burial ground attached to the 
Wooldale Meeting House. 

Henry, the second son, to whom his father devised the Totties Hall and other 
estates, became a preacher among the Friends. He married Mary, daughter of 
Thomas Blwood, of Kirby, near Kendal, in the county of Westmorland, by whom 
he had issue two children — Ebenezer and Martha. The latter married, in 1735, 

Lister, of the parish of Bradford, and had issue. Mr. Lister was dead in 

1743 ; in which year she again married, — William Oowill, of Leeds. She died 
in 1745. 

Ebenezer Jackson, only son and heir, succeeded his father at Totties Hall, 

Where he died without issue, and by his will, dated 3rd 
November, 1775, devised all his estates to his nephew, 
Henry Lister, then of Totties Hall, from whom it passed 
by will in 1794 to Thomas Lister, surgeon, of Bradford, 
afterwards a merchant, who became a bankrupt in 1814, 
when the estate was divided and sold. 

The hall, with certain lands, were sold in two lots. 
One — purchased by the late Mr. Thomas Morehouse, of 
Spring Bottom, in Netherthong, was by him devised 
to his daughter Ellen, who married Mr. Thomas Dyson, 
of Elmwood, in Netherthong, merchant, in whom it now 
vests. The other was purchased by the late Mr. James 
Moorhouse, of Downshutts, in Scholes, who devised the 
same to one of his sons. 

In front of an old messuage in this hamlet stood, 
about twenty years ago, a sun dial of singular design, 
formerly known as " Old Genii's Dial," or " Genu's 
Clock," of which the subjoined sketch is a represen- 
tation. 

The pillar upon which the dial was fixed was formed 
of large stones, somewhat rudely hewn : the whole 
bearinsf a resemblance to a house clock. Tins relic of 




CohrasMjj of ft&oaliral*. 



179 



" olden time " has not been preserved entire to the present period, — its situation 
having been changed on rebuilding some of the premises : the dial face having 
been placed on the top of an outbuilding, and the massive pillar removed. The 
dial bears date 1672, with an appropriate motto, "Ut hora sic vitafugit," and has 
also the initial letters of the names of the owner and the sculptor. 

Henry Glenn, the original owner, was a "sturdy yeoman," connected with the 
Society of Friends, or Quakers, and one most determinately opposed to the 
payment of tithes ; but in some respect his sympathies would seem to have 
accorded with a more ancient and primitive people — his house being surrounded 
with a number of unhewn stones of remarkable size. 

He was a man of somewhat coarse manners, of primitive habits, of a stern 
inflexible temper, of a quaint but racy humour, yet with an apparent taciturnity, 
which, together, rendered him an object of local notoriety, and his sayings and 
doings were remembered long after he had passed away. 




MOOECEOFT. 

This small but substantial structure was built by George Morehouse, of Stoney 
Bank, about 1630, for one of his sons. He was descended from Thomas More- 
house, of Fulstone Hall, in the adjoining township, living in 1574. 

This house is a pleasing specimen of the style usually occupied by the class 
called yeomen. Its original appearance was preserved entire till about 1778, 
when a considerable addition was made to it, but in a more modern style ; and 
subsequent alterations have also contributed to change its original character. 

The view of it given above is from a sketch taken before any material alterations 

had been made. 

t 2 



180 &0hmsj)ij? of Mootoaie. 



George Morehouse aforesaid by his will devised Moorcroft to his son John, who 
in 19 Charles II. [1666], settled it upon George Morehouse, his son and heir, 
and Margaret Crosley, of Honley, his intended wife in fee, and to the survivor 
and to their heirs, &c. George Morehouse (last named) died in 1695, when it 
descended to his only son, George, who died in 1720, having devised it to his 
eldest son, John, who sold in it 1748 to his relative, Thomas Morehouse, of 
Stoney Bank, when it became the residence of his eldest son, George, — the 
author's grandfather. 

HlSTOEY OF THE ENGLISH PrESBYTEEIAN CHAPEL, AT LiYDGATE. 

This religious society takes its rise from the preaching of ejected ministers, nearly 
two centuries ago, in the reign of Charles II., and is the only chapel which was 
founded through the labours of those worthy confessors within a district com- 
prising the parishes of Kirkburton, Almonbury, Huddersfield, and Kirkheaton; 
comprehending the valleys of the Holme and the Colne (or Marsden valley), 
down to Cooper Bridge ; including now a population of more than one hundred 
thousand souls. 

Soon after the restoration of Charles II., the Act of Uniformity was passed, by 
which, on the 24th August, 1662, nearly two thousand ministers were ejected 
from their livings, because they could not conscientiously comply with its 
provisions. 

Before we proceed to the immediate history of this chapel and congregation, it 
may not be uninteresting to take a rapid survey of some of the adjoining parishes, 
in order to ascertain how far the clergy and people appear to have been influenced 
by the enforcement of this act. 

The adjoining parish on the north-west is Almonbury, of which the Rev. 
Thomas Naylor had been appointed vicar during the Commonwealth, and had 
taken " the engagement ;" but at the Restoration he conformed. We find, how- 
ever, that his curate — a Mr. Dury, of Honley Chapel [Church] — did not conform, 
yet kept possession of his church : from which circumstance we may infer that 
Mr. Naylor was not disposed to exact a very strict obedience to the law ; the 
living was also too inconsiderable to excite attention. 

The parish of Kirkheaton was very differently circumstanced. The Rev. 
Christopher Richardson, the rector, refused to conform, and was ejected. This 
living was a valuable one, and the parish formed a pleasant and retired district. 

On resigning his church he took up his abode at Lassels Hall, where he resided 
some years. It is not certain whether he continued to preach there from' the 



Cotonsjrip of ffitofltrak 181 



period of his ejectment, until the year 1672, when the "indulgence" was granted ; 
but it is not improbable, as he then licensed his own house for religious worship. 
"We shall have occasion hereafter to refer to this circumstance. He finally 
removed to Liverpool, where he died in 1698 ; aged eighty years. 

The parish of Penistone was peculiarly circumstanced. The Yicar — the Rev. 
Henry Swift — had been appointed in 1649, and retained the living until his death, 
in 1689, though "he never subscribed the oaths, nor used the Common Prayer 
Book; but was several times imprisoned for offences of nonconformity." The 
principal families in the parish were the Bosviles, the Wordsworths, and the 
Riches, who were his supporters. The presentation vested in the Bosviles, which 
circumstance probably contributed to favour this irregularity.* 

The next parish, or chapelry, is Cumberworth : of which place, during the 
Commonwealth, a much more eminent personage than any we have hitherto 
mentioned was incumbent — Henry Tilson,f Bishop of Elphin, — who had been 
driven from his diocese by the Irish rebellion, had found shelter in Soothill Hall, 
near Dewsbury. Previous to his being raised to a bishopric, he had been Vicar 
of Rochdale. In a letter which he wrote to an intimate friend (probably Sir 
George Radcliffe), dated 1651, after alluding to things of a more private nature, 
he says : — 

" But you shall knawe that I am not altogether idle, for I pray (after the directorie of the Church of 
England), and preach every Sunday at a place in the mountaines, called Cumberworth, two myles beyond 
Emley (where I have, by the way, Lawrence,]; my Gaius, or hoste). It was proffered me by a 
gentleman — Mr. Wentworth, of Bretton — whom I never sawe savinge once before he sent unto me ; and 
because it came (as all my ecclesiastical livings and preferments have done) without my seeking and 
suite ; and because it is a lay donative, and in his power to give or detaine, and the engag [engagement] 
was past in that parish, I took it to be pointed out for me by God, as a little Zoar, to preserve my life, 
and did accept it : though it will not reach to 40 marks per ann. Besides, I trust to do God service in 
the exercise of my ministrie amongste that moorish and late rebellious plundering people. When I went first 
to Rochdale, you may remember what the old Ostler at the Baytinges willed me to do, ' Take with you 
(said he), a great box full of Tarre, for you shall find a great companie of scabbed sheepe.' The first 
Sunday I preached in the forenoone, and read service in the afternoone ; and when I perceived by their 
murmerings that they must have two fodderings, I have made good use thereof; and whereas I might 
have given them two sixpences, they are well pleased if I give them two groates for a shilling, which I 
intend to pay them, — so childish they are in the right valuinge of God's coyne." 

Dr. Whitaker remarks upon this last sentence : — "The Puritans required two 
sermons every Sunday ; and the bishop, who seems to have been an economist of 

* After the death of Mr. Swift, Mr. Elkana Kiche, of Bullhouse, built a chapel in 1692, near his residence, and 
maintained a minister at the place ; which was continued by his descendants so long as they resided there. For many 
years the chapel has been in the hands of the Wesleyan Methodists. 

+ Whitaker's History of Whalley, page 443. i Lawrence Farrington, Sector of Emley. 



182 ®0fons{yip of SKtoftmle. 



his doctrine, probably meant by this whimsical figure that the people of Cumber- 
worth were better pleased with two discourses of twenty minutes each, than with 
one of an hour."* 

In regard to the parish of Kirkburton, we have already given at some length the 
history of the Episcopal Church, which it is unnecessary here to recapitulate, but 
give as briefly as possible such historical details connected with the rise and 
progress of this religious society as may have come under our observation. 

The most important agent in spreading the principles of nonconformity here, 
and in many parts of the West-Riding, was the Rev. Oliver Hey wood, f 

He had been minister of Coley, in the parish of Halifax, and having been 
compelled to resign his church, from conscientious objections to comply with the 
conditions of the Act of Uniformity, his indomitable courage and perseverance in 
the discharge of what he regarded as his duty, were truly remarkable, as shown 
by persisting to preach in his own and the surrounding districts, notwithstanding 
the severe penalties and sufferings to which such a course necessarily exposed 
him. During the greater part of his life, Mr. Heywood kept a diary, wherein he 
recorded his engagements, and many of the circumstances and events connected 
with the times. Considerable portions of these MSS. have been published, in 
which many interesting facts connected with this and other societies in the 
surrounding districts, are recorded. 

Shortly after the "ejectment" took place, a considerable number of earnest 
persons in this parish having strong religious impressions, and deeply sympathising 
with those ministers, met together for worship ; but as the laws strictly forbade 
all such meetings, they were held in great secrecy, and as frequently as those 
perilous times would permit ; and sometimes, for their greater safety, in the night 
season. The place of their most frequent resort was the house of Godfrey 
Armitage, of Lydgate, who is stated to have been " a great friend of Mr. Oliver 
Heywood." This house was pulled down a few years ago. It was an ancient 
structure, built about the reign of Charles I., or somewhat earlier, and was only 
one story in height. . It was sufficiently large to admit a considerable number of 
persons, and was entered by a spacious passage which went directly through the 
building, with a door at each end, where, as tradition states, persons were stationed 
when meeting together for worship, to watch, lest the King's spies should come 
upon them at unawares, and prevent their escape. The house being situated on 

* Whitaker's History of Whalley, page 443. 

t The Rise of old Dissent: exemplified in the life of Oliver Heywood, one of the Founders of the Presbyterian 
Congregations in the county of York; by the Rev. J. Hunter, F.S.A., 1842, 8vo. 



Cfliwtsbip 0f »0l0ak 183 



tlie knoll of a small hill, commanded a view on every side, and thus afforded the 
worshippers, in case of alarm, a ready opportunity to disperse. 

It appears from Mr. Heywood's diary, that one of his favourite places for 
preaching was Penistone. He was on terms of close friendship with Mr. Swift, 
the vicar, and he usually preached in the church. He generally took a considerable 
circuit in these excursions, and amongst the places which he visited Lydgate was 
usually included. 

In 1671, " On March 13th he had appointed to preach at Woodhead Chapel, in one of the passes of 
the mountains which separate Lancashire aud Yorkshire ; hut it was a terrible storm of snow, making the 
moors impassable, so he remained at Holme, and preached at Mr. Earnshaw's. On Monday night he 
preached again at Mr. Earnshaw's ; and the same night, after nine o'clock, he rode three miles, and 
preached at Godfrey Armitage's, at Lydget, in Kirkburton parish." 

From the intercourse which subsisted between this society and the one gathered 
under the fostering care of Mr. Biche, of Bullhouse, a little beyond the border of 
this parish, within that of Penistone, there can be little doubt that this congre- 
gation frequently had the assistance of some of the ministers who supplied that 
place, namely, the Rev. Rowland Hancock, the Rev. Nathan Denton, and the Rev. 
Nathaniel Baxter, all of whom had been ejected ; these, and many others, found 
hospitable shelter under the roof of Mr. Riche, during these harassing times ; and 
afterwards, as long as the family remained at Bullhouse, which was till near the 
close of the last century, a very cordial union was kept up between the ministers 
of the two congregations. 

In 1672, when the King issued his declaration, granting certain " Indulgences" 
to the Nonconformists, by suspending the penal enactment against them, and by 
affording them the opportunity of licensing their places of meeting for worship, 
this society availed themselves of its protection, and obtained a license for the 
house of John Armitage, at Lydgate.* 

In 1674, January 2nd, "Mr. Heywood preached at Mr. Richardson's, at Lassels Hall, and while thus 
engaged he was interrupted by a clerk of Sir John Kaye, of Woodsome, a neighbouring magistrate, who 
was zealous against nonconformity. The clerk required Mr. Heywood and Mr. Richardson to produce 
their licenses ; and on the next day they repaired to Woodsome, where they produced the license for 
Lassels Hall. Mr. Heywood had not his own license with him, but sent it in a few days, for the inspection 

* The ancestor of Sir Elkanah Armitage, Knight, of Manchester, of whose family an interesting account was printed 
by one of its members — Mr. Cyrus Armitage, in 1850. 

The following are the names of some of the principal persons connected with its early history : — Abraham Lockwood, 
of Blackhouse, in Thurstonland ; Abraham Roberts, of Parnley Tyas ; Humphrey Bray, of Stake-lane, near Holmfirth ; 
and Robert France, of Edge-end, in Austonley. Humphrey Bray had been a soldier in the army of the Commonwealth, 
and died at a very advanced age. 



184 Ccbmsjjtp ai SSMbale. 



of Sir John Kaye. At the interview Sir John intimated that they had gone beyond the King's intention, 
and that his permission was abused. It is not clear that this could be made out, so that no wonder Mr. 
Heywood departed little satisfied with the interview. He was no less so as he found the house at Wood- 
some full of jollity. There was open house, feasting, drinking, revelling, &c — being the Christmas 
festivities." 

It was at this period that Mr. Briggs, vicar of the parish, published a 12mo. 
volume, of 252 pages, entitled " Sound Considerations for tender Consciences : 
wherein is shewn their obligations to hold close Union snd Communion with the 
Church of England and their fellow members in it, and not forsake the public 
assemblies thereof : in several Sermons preached from 1 Corinthians, i. chap. 10 
ver., and Hebrews, x. chap. 25 ver., by Joseph Briggs, M.A., Vicar of Kirkburton, 
in Yorkshire." The work is dedicated to " Sir John Kaye, of Woodsum, Farnley, 
Baronet, one of his Majesty's Justices of Peace of the Quorum, and Deputy 
Lieutenant for the "West-Riding of York," &c. 

In "The Epistle Dedicatory" Mr. Briggs alludes to "the suspension of the 
lawes," by which the "hands" of the magistrate "seem to be bound, so that 
he cannot proceed in the discharge of his office with courage and efficacy." He 
calls upon them, however, in the name of the clergy, " not to be dismayed at these 
things," but perform their duty to their "utmost power." 

Next follows an " Epistle to his Parishioners," in which he says : — 

" These Sermons, you know (together with others upon other texts relating to this subject, which to 
imprint also would swell the book to too great a bulk), were preached both in Church and Chapel, [i. e. 
Kirkburton and Holmfirth]. The design of them was evidently to deal with your consciences, and inform 
them aright in this present juncture of public affairs ; what your obligations are to your own Pastors, and to 
prevent ycur schismatical forsaking the Public Assemblies to joyn to an Independent Conventicle (pardon 
me if I mistake it, for I believe it cannot, as it is circumstantiated, consist with the principles of the old 
sober Presbyterians, nor yet with the modern, that have any remains of settled principles concerning 
Church unity and Church Assemblies in them). But having preacht them, I easily perceived all my 
labours utterly lost, and useless to many that either would not or could not hear them, or else basely 
without any shew of reason reflected on them." 

Therefore he determined to publish them. He again refers, in the spirit of the 
times, to the duty of magistrates by saying : — 

" He is ordained of God to execute wrath upon all them that do evil. And are not false teachers stiled 
evil workers ? And is not Heresie a fruit of the flesh 1 And what are separating doctrines but unsound 
doctrines ? And is not unsound doctrine resembled to a canker that corrodes the sound flesh ? And the 
abetters and fomenters thereof to thieves that spoil, to ravening wolves that devour, and to deceitful 
workers that undermine the truth ?" 

In his " Epistle to the Reader," respecting " liberty of conscience," he says : — 



CjQrJbmspjj oi Itolimle. • 185 



" It is freely granted to every man to worship God himself, or with his family, according to his 
Conscience, — i. e., in such a way and manner as his Conscience (his Judging Faculty) judgeth most 
acceptable. But if any man will go publish his Opinions to entangle the Consciences of others, and 
seek to draw Disciples to himself, and make a Party, and cause divisions and dissensions amongst his 
Majesties' Subjects, and so trouble the Public State, and distract it ; to restrain such, or punish them, is 
no sin in the Magistrate, no Tyranny over the Consciences of men, no Persecution or Oppression, but it 
is his duty thus to keep men from infecting his Subjects' Souls with Errours or Heresies. But now, as 
the matter goes, this great evil seems to be unavoidable ; and like a most violent torrent, to bear all before 
it," &c. He then says, " I have no inward rancour or ill will to a Presbyterian, but love the moderate and 
sober with all my heart, and do conceive him the best of Sects : though fouly to blame in laying a foun- 
dation for others that are intolerable to build upon, and countenancing them when his own interest seems 
to require it;" and then states, "It is said by some that the King's Indulgence and Declaration of 
Toleration, doth evidently acquit all private Meetings from the imputation of Schism. In answer, it is 
not fit for me, or any other Son of the Church (who profess the strictest obedience and loyalty), to make 
any sawcy discant upon his Majesties' actions. He is wise as Angel of God, and freely do we submit to 
his Deliberate Counsels and determinations," &c. 

In 1675, the King's declaration for " Indulgence " was recalled, which created 
great lamentations among the Nonconformists, because it was deemed necessary 
to cease preaching publicly; and hence, the meetings here were carried on as 
before with considerable caution, and frequently under the cover of night. 

But disputes and litigation respecting the tithes arose between Mr. Briggs and 
his parishioners, during some of the latter years of Charles's reign, and in the 
earlier part of that of James II., which contributed much to divert his attention 
from enforcing the persecuting statutes of which he so entirely approved. Yet 
the nonconforming ministers received from him and his brethren hard measure of 
justice. This Mr. Heywood seems occasionally keenly to have felt : an instance of 
which he records in connexion with a very hazardous journey. 

"On the 13th March, 1684, I went to preach in Kirkburton parish, though the weather was 
exceedingly unfavourable." " I set out, but found the way very dangerous, for it snow-balled my horse's 
feet. I resolved to call at Mr. Thorp's, Hopton Hall ; but going towards the house, my horse fell, and 
I lay I know not how. The same day I had a more wonderful deliverance : for, going in the snow from 
Mr. Lockwood's, of Blackhouse* [in Thurstonland], towards J. Armitage's [of Lydgate], having no track, 
I missed my way, and got entangled in a wood, among bogs and dangerous precipices. I toiled hard, 
sometimes riding and sometimes walking on foot, till I was out of breath. It was moonlight ; and at last 
I got to J. A.'s, where I was to preach. When I told him where I had been, he was much astonished, 
and said I did not know the hazard to which I had been exposed ; for the place is so dangerous it is called 
Sinking-hill [Sinking-wood] by the inhabitants. I preached to about forty persons, on Matthew, vi. chap. 
33 ver., and went about half a mile, near twelve o'clock, to lodge. The people gave me three shillings 
and sixpence for my labour. I was well content, and bless God. Now, O my Soul ! what improvement 

* He was one of the founders of the Lydgate congregation. 
Z 



186 Cctonsbij? xrf HUtafe. 



doest thou make of these various providences ? Our adversaries envy us all such pains, and toil, and 
hazard, for our dear Lord, and the good of sinners. They enjoy their rich livings, fair parsonages, and 
fruitful glebes ; they step out of their houses into churches, read their easy services, say their eloquent 
orations, eat the fat and drink the sweet ; are companions with gentlemen and peers of the realm ; have 
their thousands a year, making laws for us, and yet think much at our having a poor livelihood, and a little 
honest work ; weeping and wrestling with God and sinners to do good. They call us Schismatics and 
seditious ; they exasperate Magistrates against us, punish, banish, and imprison us ; confiscate our goods, 
excommunicate and censure us, and think and say we are not worthy to live ; while we live peaceably, 
pray for them, and dare challenge them if ever they found fault in us, save in the matter of our God." 

When James II. had got firmly seated on the throne, he became anxious to 
restore the supremacy of the Roman Catholic Church ; and as a preliminary step, 
he gave to all Nonconformist sects entire liberty of conscience. The Presby- 
terians, however, received this extension of royal favour without much demonstra- 
tion of gratitude ; notwithstanding they had hitherto met with little sympathy 
from the clergy of the Established Church ; yet few among them were disposed 
to risk the safety of a Protestant foundation, even though it continued to lay 
themselves under civil disadvantages, — especially when the exercise of prerogative 
bore more the character of defiance of the laws than a regard to the constitution 
of the country ; for, however valuable the liberty in behalf of which his authority 
was then exercised, there was no guarantee for its continuance, or that his 
authority might not afterwards be exercised in a manner injurious to the liberties 
of the people, as might best suit the ends of so capricious a sovereign. This had 
been felt by them in the preceding reign — Charles II.'s : indulgence having been 
recalled in three years ; and his persecution of Nonconformists became more 
rigorous in the closing years of his reign, when he was understood to show the 
greatest inclination to the Romish Church. How then could the Presbyterians 
repose a confidence in James, that this liberty would be preserved to them, which 
rested solely upon the King's presumed prerogative? The sequel of James's reign 
is well known. The accession of William III. to the throne was hailed with joy 
by all true Protestants. Then it was that Protestant dissent acquired a permanent 
foundation. In 1694 the congregation built their chapel at Lydgate, which was 
finished early in the following year, when Mr. Oliver Heywood preached at the 
opening. He records on the 28th March, 1695, "Rode to John Armitage's, 
preached in their new Meeting-house : the first sermon on Exodus, 24 chap., 1, 2, 
a dedication of it, — there was a full assembly; then administered the Lord's supper 
to about forty." The congregation could then assemble together in their new 
chapel for public worship, "none daring to make them afraid." 

Still the Vicar continued his efforts to reclaim some of his parishioners to the 



©otasljtp Df Mrafoalc. 187 



bosom of the church, and in 1704 he published a small volume, of 169 pages, 
entitled " Catholic Unity and Church Communion : or the Christian's duty to 
communicate constantly with the Church of England; with a just reproof of several 
novel and Schismatical notions and practises, particularly that of occasional 
conformity : clearly stated and proved by way of question and answer, suited to 
the well-meaning countryman's capacity ; by Joseph Briggs, vicar of Kirkburton, 
in the county of York." Here he strongly condemns the practice of occasional 
conformity, and says : — 

" A good minister cannot choose but sadly resent his People running to separate meetings, and he cannot 
excuse himself from the utmost endeavour to reduce them that actually separate, and preserve them from 

separation who are yet in the Church's Communion." " His care and endeavour mostly proves in 

vain, which occasions this discourse." . . . . " But if it be said, moreover, that he also made tryal of reducing 
some in private,* if he did so, I answer ' his Work and Reward is with the Lord,' though Israel would not 
be gathered ; and yet he cannot but in tenderness to precious souls resent it with grief, to find any so 
inflexible and even settled upon the lees of Separation, that they either turn a deaf ear to his charming 
exhortations, or peremptorily (perhaps) tell him to rest himself, they were resolved ; or they spurned at 
the very name of schism, or made a ridicule thereof; or if at all affected therewith, had recourse to the 
intruder, and his words were to them as oracles, and all he said as good as gospel. Much of all this may be 
the author's case ; and, in fine, after all attempts of this nature, how often hath he received such a repulse 
as this ? I am not able to talk with you : the teachers we go to are godly men, and they assure us we 
are in no schism, and they are able to defend the thing to your face ; or say what you will, I cannot 
believe such godly men are deceived, or will deceive us." 

* In proof of this I may here mention the circumstance of my own ancestor, George Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, who 
had joined the Presbyterians, 'but still adopted the course of occasional conformity; and who, near the close of the 
seventeenth century, held some correspondence with the Vicar relative to it. This correspondence appears to have been 
carried on at intervals, extending over a period of upwards of two years ; the last of these letters from the Vicar I may 
here give, as alike creditable to his character and motives. It is dated April 13th, 1702. 

" Expecting you and Mr. Byram [minister of Lydgate] to dine with me at the time appointed, I think it requisite to 
caution you against making any noise thereof, as if the design thereof was some solemn disputation, for that may be of bad 
consequence divers wayes, and its oddness will draw some unusual concourse about my house ; to avoid which, I hope I 
may engage you to use the greatest privacy in your coming hither, and say little of it in your converse with whom you 
may have occasion. I hope you understand my intention in inviting you to be of another nature — even entirely friendly 
and peaceable ; and if it so end, it will be very pleasing to your constant well-wisher, " JOSEPH BRIGGS." 

Of the result of this friendly disputation I am ignorant, except that my ancestor remained steadfast in the course he 
had adopted. 

I may further be permitted here to state one or two facts as illustrative of a part of the preceding times, when my 
ancestor first joined the Presbyterians in that gloomy and threatening period of James II.'s reign, when the aspect of the 
Protestant cause gave the greatest alarm to its warmest friends. 

His father, Thomas Morehouse, had been attached to the royal cause during the great civil war, and after the 
Restoration, remained a staunch Conformist ; but the son, afterwards perceiving that the intentions of James were to 
supplant the Protestant with the Romish Church, was led to view more favourably the Presbyterian party. After 
the Revolution [1688], a deep conviction seemed to pervade the minds of many of this class, that although the 
hostile advancement of Romanism had for a time been defeated, yet it by no meang followed that its cause was 
extinguished ; they, however, regarded the education of the people as the best safeguard against Popery and arbitrary 

Z Z 



188 Cofonsbip ai Maolbuk. 



These extracts are sufficient to discover the design of the author. It is 
especially pleasing to find him taking up the weapon of legitimate argument, 
rather than calling to his aid the civil magistrate, to silence those whom he failed 
to convince. 

Having given at some length the circumstances and events connected with the 
rise and progress of this congregation, it remains to be stated that the chapel 
was rebuilt in 1768. In 1786, a gallery was erected: and in 1801, an organ 
was added. 

In 1848, the chapel underwent extensive repairs and improvements. An 
addition was also made of a vestibule (over which stands the organ), which was 
carried up to the height of the chapel, and surmounted by a cupola for a bell. 
The entire expense amounted to about £250. 

The interior of the chapel has more the appearance of an ecclesiastical structure 
than usually appertains to dissenting chapels. The windows are ornamented 
with stained and ground glass. The pulpit and reading desk are within the 
communion rail, opposite to the entrance. In a recess in the communion table 
are the works of Archbishop Tillotson, three volumes folio, chained to the table. 
These have been from time immemorial. A volume of sermons, stated to be by 
David Clarkson, was formerly in the same depository : but has now disappeared. 

ENDOWMENT, BEQUESTS, ETC. 

" Mrs. Mary Hutton,* wife of the late Richard Hutton, of Pudsey, in the county of York, gentleman, 
by her will dated 26th July, 1720 (among other devises to charitable uses), bequeathed a rent-charge 
towards the better maintenance and support of such preaching minister at Lydget, in Holmfirth, being 
Protestant Dissenters from the Church of England, and of the Presbyterian congregation way or persuasion, 
as shall from time to time be the settled preacher;" directing that her trustees therein mentioned "shall 
pay to such preaching minister for the time being at the said chapel," &c, and " to his successors, the 

power. In the first year, therefore, of the reign' of William and Mary, the Kev. Richard Thorpe, an ejected minister, 
founded a school-house in Shepley, for the benefit of its inhabitants. In 1693, Alderman Earnshaw, of York, founded and 
endowed a school in Holme ; and in 1694 a school-house was built at Newmill, in Pulstone, for the benefit of the 
surrounding population, at the joint expense of Mrs. Eodes, John Newton, of Stagwood Hill, and George Morehouse, of 
Stoney Bank. About the same time, also, Mr. Riche, of Bullhouse, built a school-house at that place. Such was the 
deep and lasting conviction in the minds of the Presbyterian party, that traces of it are to be found in connexion with 
this congregation more than half a century after James's abdication. 

In 1737, John Broadhead, of Greenhouse, in Shelley, an aged member of the congregation, bequeathed ten pounds to 
the trustees of the chapel ; the interest of which was " to be given for the preaching of a Sermon there yearly, on the 5th 
November, in Memory of those two famous Deliverances to these Nations, viz. : from Gunpowder Treason in 1605 ; and 
also in bringing in the famous King William, on the 4th or 5th November, 1688, to free us from Popery and Slavery, 
and arbitrary power, which so terribly threatened the Nations at that time." 

In 1745, when the Scotch rebellion broke out, the Dissenters supported the cause of the reigning family with great 
unanimity and determination/ 

* She was one of the daughters of the Rev. Richard Thorpe, of Hopton Hall. The other daughter married to Mr. 
Elkanah Richc, of Bullhouse. 



Cohmsjjip of tEooIoitlc. 189 



sum of Three Pounds annually issuing out of Tenements in Shepley, in the occupation of Michael Wortley 
and Joseph Goldthorp, called the Yew Tree." 

George Morehouse, of Almonbury, the younger son of George Morehouse, late of Stoney Bank, 
deceased, by his will dated 13th February, 1749, devised to the trustees of Lydgate Chapel, the sum of 
one hundred pounds : the interest of which to be given towards the maintenance of the minister of the 
said chapel for ever. 

George Morehouse, of Moorcroft, in Wooldale, by an indenture bearing date 19th October, 1759, 
granted by his surrender, bearing even date, " all that messuage and tenement situate in Wooldale afore- 
said, known by the name of New Laith ; and also those five closes of land therewith, known by the names 
of the Croft, the Great Close, rhe Round Close, the Hey, and the Luke Ing," &c, to the trustees of 
Lydgate Chapel, and their successors for ever : " Upon such trust and confidence that the said trustees, 
their heirs and assigns, shall take the rents and profits of all the said premises ;" and after deducting all 
necessary expenses, shall yearly pay the balance " to such Preacher, Protestant Dissenting Minister, as 
shall from time to time hereafter be the settled Preacher." 

It is right to observe that the estate here mentioned had been the property 
of Mr. Arthur Jessop (whose name has already frequently appeared in this work), 
who dying intestate and without issue, it devolved upon his only brother, Joshua 
Jessop, of Hill-top, in Fulstone ; who, by his will bearing date 8th September, 
1751, devised the same to George Morehouse and Thomas Morehouse, the sons 
of Thomas Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, equally, and to their heirs for ever : 
reserving, however, to his only surviving sister, Martha Jessop, the rents and 
profits of the estate during her natural life. The said Joshua Jessop died before 
the 30th of that month : at which date Martha Jessop passed a surrender into the 
Court of the Lord of the Manor, of all her right, title, and interest in the said 
messuages and lands, to George Morehouse and Thomas Morehouse, jun., afore- 
said, and to their heirs and assigns for ever. 

Although no conditions are here specified, there can be little doubt it was the 
intention of Joshua and Martha Jessop, who were both far advanced in years, and 
having no near relations, that the estate should be applied to the purposes to 
which George Morehouse (his brother being then dead), by his indenture already 
recited, assigned it. 

In 1839, George Morehouse Hebblethwaite, of Moorcroft, gave and assigned a piece of land adjoining 
the chapel, for additional burial ground ; and also for the site of a parsonage house and school. 

In 1842 a parsonage house and schoolroom were erected in the Elizabethan 
style, at the cost of £750. 

In regard to the foundation deed of this chapel, there is no stipulation with 
respect to doctrine; neither has any confession of faith for membership been 
required ; and in conformity with these principles the English Presbyterian 
congregations generally, adopted the practice of "open communion." 



190 Cahmsjfip xrf IMtmlc. 






It seems proper here to remark upon the gradual change of doctrinal sentiments 
which took place among the English Presbyterian divines and congregations, from 
the period of "the ejectment" to the middle of the last century. Calvinistic 
doctrines for the most part obtained among them at that memorable period ; but 
before the close of the seventeenth century, a considerable change took place 
from Calvinism to Arminianism ; and before the end of the first quarter of the 
eighteenth century, a large portion had adopted Arian sentiments, which, half a 
century later, resulted in Unitarianism. 

LIST OF THE MINISTEES OP LYDGATE CHAPEL. 
Milward is the first resident minister of whom there is any account. He settled here after the 



chapel was built, and removed about the year 1700. 

John Byram succeeded him early in the following year. He had been educated under the Rev. Richard 
Frankland, M.A., whose academy he entered in 1676. He was for some time settled at Stockport; and in 
1696 assisted at the ordination of Mr. John Ashe, "the zealous and indefatigable minister of Ashford, 
Bradwell, and Hucklow." His name occurs in the parish register of Kirkburton, in connexion with a very 
singular entry by the Vicar, May, 1709, "Joseph, son of Robert Beever, of Hepworth, junior, baptized with 
a conditional baptizm, the 15th day, because it was said that the Dissenting Minister, Mr. Jo. Byram, has 
baptized him before ; but the said Robert Beever being interrogated about it, could not tell that the said 
Mr. Byram had done more than sprinkled it, and prayed, without enjoyning him to bring the child to the 
Lidget Meeting to be baptized." Mr. Byram died on the 9th September, 1709, and was here interred. 

Joshua Dobson is the next of whom we have any account. He settled here about the close of the 
year 1715, and resigned about 1720. In 1724 he was settled as the Minister of Bullhouse, but removed 
thence to Cocky Moor, in Lancashire, in 1732, where he died 29th August, 1767, — in which chapel there 
is a monument erected to his memory. He published two sermons in 1747, entitled " Religious Gratitude 
Explained ; and Religious and Civil Liberty, Reformed Christianity and Loyalty to the Present Government 
Recommended: in two Sermons preached at Cocky (alias Cockley) New Chappell, in Lancashire: the one 
April 16th, 1747 — being the Anniversary of the Defeat of the Rebels at Culloden; the other the Lord's- 
day following. With a large Appendix by Joshua Dobson." 

■ Morton was Mr. Dobson's immediate successor, but remained only about two years. 

John Buck settled here about the year 1722, and resigned in 1724. He was a native of Bradford, 
where his brother became a considerable merchant. He married in 1725, Sarah, the second daughter of 
George Morehouse, of Stoney Bank. In 1729, he succeeded the Rev. Dr. Dixon, at Bolton, in 
Lancashire; and on the death of the Rev. Dr. Colton, in 1732, he received an invitation from t his 
congregation in St. Saviour-gate, York, to become his successor. He, however, remained at Bolton until 
his death, which took place suddenly, while on a visit at the house of his brother-in-law, the Rev. Timothy 
Aired, minister of the Old Chapel, Morley, near Leeds, on the 8th July, 1750 ; aged fifty-six years.* 

Godward was the next in succession ; but resigned about 1727, from ill health. 

Hananiah Elston, M.A., entered on his ministry here in February, 1728, and remained until April, 
1732. In August, 1731, he was called upon to preach a funeral sermon, on the occasion of the death of 
Mr. Jeremiah Bairstow, the Presbyterian minister of Elland : whom he was shortly afterwards invited to 

* His only surviving son, Mr. William Buck, of Halifax, merchant, was many years an active trustee of this chapel, 
and contributed largely to the funds for the rebuilding of it in 1768. He died 6th April, 1797, aged sixty-eight years. 



Cflfoitsjrijy of WBaalouk. 191 



succeed. He died 22nd June, 1738. His epitaph, which is inscribed on a tombstone in Elland Church- 
yard, was written by his friend, Mr. Josa. Crowther, a Dissenting minister, but who afterwards conformed, 
and became Vicar of Otley, in Wharfdale. 

Holden settled here in August, 1733, but resigned the following year. 

William Eden entered upon his ministry here in April 1734. He resigned in 1746, on being chosen 
minister of the Presbyterian congregation in Elland. On the breaking out of the Scotch rebellion in 174 5, 
Mr. Eden entered with much spirit into the cause of the reigning family ; he collected a large body of 
men, who provided themselves with weapons, and headed them for the purpose of guarding the neighbour- 
hood against the approach of the rebels. (See page 26.) 

Robert Andrews was chosen minister in 1747, and remained until about the year 1753. He was 
descended from an ancient family long seated at Rivington Hall, near Bolton, in Lancashire. He is 
described as a man of " considerable scholarship and taste. Besides a volume of poems entitled ' Ecdylla,' 
he published a translation of Virgil, in blank verse, which was printed by the celebrated Baskerville." 

William Wilson was chosen to succeed Mr. Andrews. He remained until 1760. 

Mather was the next after Mr. Wilson. He remained about two years. 

Joseph Marshall accepted the pastoral office here in May, 1764. He was a native of Leeds, and 
had been educated in an academy in London, under the direction of the Rev. David Jennings, D.D., and 
S. M. Savage, D.D. He died in February, 1814 : having been nearly fifty years minister of the place. 

Jeremiah Donoughue was chosen to succeed Mr. Marshall. He was of Roman Catholic parents, and 
received his education at Liege, with a view to the priesthood. While pursuing his studies there, the 
French revolution broke out, when the students of the college were dispersed. On his way home through 
France, he witnessed the execution of Charlotte Corday. A change taking place in his religious views, 
he abandoned his original intention ; but subsequently he entered the ministry among the Protestant 
Dissenters. He resigned the pastoral office here in 1819, to take charge of a congregation at Coventry. 
He printed a sermon preached here on the occasion of the lamented death of the Princess Charlotte. He 
also published a volume of poems in 1799. 

John Nayler was chosen in 1820, and resigned in 1840 : now minister of a congregation at Shepton 
Mallet, in the county of Somersetshire. 

Frederic Hornblower, from Manchester College, York, next succeeded, and entered upon his 
ministry in the autumn of 1840. He resigned in the spring of 1843, on account of ill health. 

George Heap, B.A., entered on his ministry in July, 1843, and in April, 1846, removed to Hudders- 
field as first minister of the Unitarian congregation newly gathered in that town, where he remained three 
years. In 1853 he proceeded to Australia, to take charge of the Unitarian Church in Sydney. 

The Rev. John Owen, the present respected minister, was invited from Warminster, and came to 
Lydgate in July, 1846. 

Ufatrammfal Jfitsmrjticrtrs. 
Within the chapel, on a Marble Tablet : 

Sacred to the Memory of the late Rev. Joseph Marshall, who was 49 years minister of this place. He 
discharged the duties of his office with great christian zeal and affection. His private character was 
marked by strict integrity, great simplicity of manners, and unassuming modesty. Like his Blessed 
Master, he sought the good of all. He was born May 17th, 1741 ; died February 17th, 1814. 

On the floor in the aisle : 

Near this place lies the body of George Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, who was born 25th March, 1648; 
died 24th May, 1726; aged 78 years. Also of Ellen, his wife, who died 22nd September, 1718, in the 



192 ®0hmsbm of lEooorftrale. 



67th year of her age. Thomas Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, died 1761; aged 79 years. 

Hannah, his wife (daughter of James Earnshaw, of Holme, in the parish of Almonbury), died 1757; 

aged 67 years. Thomas Morehouse, their second son, died 1753 ; aged 23 years. Ellen, relict 

of William Summers, late of Halifax, third daughter of George Morehouse, late of Stoney Bank. She 
died 9th November, 1783 ; aged 89 years and 9 months. 

On a Marble Tablet : 

In Memory of John Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, who departed this life April 9th, 1811; aged 48 
years. Also of Elizabeth, his wife (eldest daughter of William Newton, late of Stagwood Hill), who died 
December 26th, 1839 ; aged 72 years. Also of Charles-Newton, their fifth son, who died November 
19th, in the 24th year of his age. 

In the burial ground, surrounding the chapel : 

George Morehouse, of Moorcroft, died November 24th, 1789 ; aged 61 years. Mary, his wife, 
(daughter of Joseph Greaves, late of Ranah, in the parish of Penistone), who was born March 6th, 1724, 
died March 28th, 1789. Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, died February 8th, 1788 ; aged 35 years. Ellen, 
their daughter, died March 10th, 1791 ; aged 36 years. Mary, wife of George Morehouse, of Moorcroft, 
died October 21st, 1812; aged 46 years. The said George Morehouse, died November 13th, 1835 ; 
aged 77 years. George Morehouse Hebblethwaite, of Moorcroft, died July 1st, 1840; aged 24 years. 
Sidney Morehouse, of Moorcroft, fourth son of John and Elizabeth Morehouse, late of Stoney Bank, died 
1st May, 1855 ; aged 52 years. 

Joseph, son of the Rev. Joseph Marshall, was born June 21st, 1774 ; died 23rd May, 1785. Sarah, 
wife to the Rev. Joseph Marshall, departed this life July 1st, 1786. 

Arthur Jessop, of Underbank, apothecary, died April 2nd, 1751 ; aged 68 years. 

Joshua Jessop, of Hill-top, in Fulstone, died September . . . ., 1751 ; aged 67 years. 

Mary, wife of Jonas Hobson, of Thurstonland, died 31st March, 1797; aged 61 years. The said 
Jonas Hobson, died 5th February, 1800; aged 59 years. Joseph, son of Jonas and Mary Hobson, of 
Thurstonland, departed this life March 28th, 1803 ; aged 36 years. 

John Hobson, of Mytholm Bridge, died February 11th, 1801 ; aged 69 years. Mary, daughter of the 
said John Hobson, died January 29th, 1805 ; aged 31 years. Elizabeth, wife of the said John Hobson, 
died May 19th, 1808 ; aged 74 years. 

Jonas Hobson, late of Mytholm Bridge, died 9th June, 1 829 ; aged 67 years. 

Mary, wife of John Hobson, eldest son of Jonas Hobson, of Mytholm Bridge, died May 1st, 1823 ; 
aged 26 years. The said John Hobson, died 7th September, 1846; aged 55 years. Sarah, the second 
wife of the said John Hobson, died 29th December, 1853 ; aged 58 years. 

George Hobson, of Mytholm Bridge, died 17th September, 1836 : aged 72 years. Margaret, his wife, 
died December 13th, 1839; aged 72 years. Joseph, their son, died March 10th, 1860; aged 63 years. 

Jonathan Swallow, of Thurstonland, died January 26th, 1844; aged 80 years. 

Eli Bower, of Wooldale, died 20th February, 1822 ; aged 57 years. Lydia, his wife, died 30th April, 
1848 ; aged 82 years. Eli, their son, died 30th May, 1841 ; aged 33 years. 

Jacob Susmann, late of Huddersfield, died 14th April, 1852, in the 38th year of his age. 

Ada, daughter of Hugh and Mary Mellor, of Kirkbridge, died January 6th, 1856; aged 12 years. 
Sarah, their daughter, died April 7th, 1856 ; aged 9 years. 

Mary, wife of Joseph Heeley, mason, of Cliff, died February 20th, 1850 ; aged 54 years. The said 
Joseph Heeley, died 26th September, 1860; aged 65 years. 



Cobmsljrn oi Ifaltrale. 



193 



The chapel is licensed for marriages. The register of baptisms commences in 
1743, that of burials in 1700. 



1 




Meeting House op the Society op Friends. 

The religious Society of Friends usually designated Quakers, had its origin in the 
Commonwealth period, from the preaching of George Fox. 

Some converts were made here at an early period ; but whether they were 
sufficiently organised as a religious body before the Restoration of Charles II., is 
very doubtful. One of the most influential persons in tins neighbourhood who 
became a convert to their religious views, was Henry Jackson, of Totties. He 
appears to have been under the influence of strong religious feelings ; and in 
following the dictates of conscience, to have suffered considerable persecution. 
He was the principal means of founding this meeting-house, early in the reign of 
"William and Mary. The ground had been invested in trustees as early as 1673, 
by Robert Broadhead, of Wooldale, yeoman, 

" To and for the use of such people as walk in the feare of the Lord, in and about Wooldale, Holmfirth, 
and therewayes, and are com'only called Quakers, for a possession of a burying place for them freely to 
burye their dead in for ever. And to or for the intent and purpose that the same may remaine and 
continue for a possession of a burying-place for all such as out of conscience towards God, have separated 
from Idollatry and Idollized places, for them freely to bury in for ever." The deed, however, provides 
that in case " at any time hereafter any default be found, or cause of forfeiture in law by reason of the 
uncertainty of its present use, then the said premises to remain to the use and behoof of the said trustees 
therein mentioned, and their heirs for ever. To the intent that they and their heirs, &c, shall with the 
rents and profits thereof, yearly relieve and succour such poore people as stand in need, according to their 
discre'cons successively for ever." 

We find that George Fox came at least once to the Wooldale meeting, to 
expound his views, which he records in his journal as follows : — 

AA 



194 Cotonsljip ai W&oalbnh. 



1669 — " I visited most of the meetings in Yorkshire, and up to the Woulds and Holderness. I passed 
through the country till I came to Henry Jackson's, where I had a great meeting." Vol. i., page 326, 
folio edition, 1694. 

Previously to the building of the meeting-house, it is not known where they 
assembled together ; but it is not improbable that they occupied a room or 
dwelling-house in the village of "Wooldale. 

The present simple and retired structure, now surrounded with trees, was 
partly rebuilt about eighty or ninety years ago, and is preserved with charac- 
teristic neatness. 

Jackson's Chaeitt. 

Henry Jackson, then of Wooldale, by his will dated 8th day of December, 1704, 
among other things devised the sum of 

" Twenty pounds unto Henry Jackson, of Tottys, and Caleb Broadhead, of Wooldale, to be by them 
put forth to interest, or some land to be bought therewith ; and the yearly interest or profit thereof to be 
distributed to such poor people in the hamlet of Wooldale yearly, as they judge most needfull, and yearly 
to be given to them about the middle of May, for ever. 

" Also I give other twenty pounds to the said Henry Jackson and Edward Dickinson, of Highflatts, 
and to such other trustees as they shall name and chuse, to put out to interest or to buy land with it ; 
and the mean profits or interest thereof to be distributed yearly to such poor Friends as they shall think 
most needfull, according to their discre'cion :" which legacies were to be paid within six months after the 
decease of the testator. 

Cliff School. 

A school was built at Cliff, in this township, about eighty years ago, by 
means of a legacy, and money raised by subscription. The site of the school and 
an acre of land adjoining, part of the wastes, being given by the then Duke of 
Leeds, the lord of the manor, for the use of the school ; and a dwelling-house for 
the master was erected about the year 1801, by subscription. 

The school property is vested in trustees, chosen by the inhabitants of Wool- 
dale, and the master is appointed by the trustees. The master occupies the school 
premises and land. 

John Collier, late of Paddock-gate, in Wooldale, clothier, by his will dated 2nd 
September, 1833, gave and devised to his said trustees and executors — 

" The sum of one hundred pounds, to be raised and paid out of my personal estate and effects, upon 
trust, and to the intent that they or either of them do pay the same to the trustees for the time being, of 
the school at Cliff, in Wooldale aforesaid, to be by the said trustees of the said school placed out or 
invested at interest on some good real security ; and the interest to arise from the said sum of one hundred 
pounds shall be paid to the master of the said school for the time being, at all times for ever hereafter ; 



^ofortsfjip of MoolbaU. 195 



and for which interest I will, order, and direct that the said master for the time being shall for ever here- 
after teach the number of four poor children in Reading and Writing every year, and such four children 
to be nominated and fixed upon by the trustees of the said school for the time being. And I will and 
direct that the same number of four children shall be taught for one year ; and at the end of every year, 
four other children shall be nominated and fixed upon to be taught : such children to be from time to 
time nominated by the trustees of the said school for the time being." 

Choppaeds National School. 

This school was built in 1837, at a cost of £350, and will contain two hundred 
children, and is under government inspection. 

WOOLDALE WESLEYAN SCHOOLROOM, 

Built in 1848, at a cost of £140. Used for a Sunday school and for preaching. 

Wilson's Chaeitt. 
Luke Wilson,* of Mytham Bridge, in Wooldale, by his will dated 1st September, 
1713, after devising the whole of his freehold and copyhold estates to his grand- 
son and heir, Luke Wilson, charged the same with the payment of 

" Forty shillings a year for ever to be paid yearly and every year into the hands of the Overseers of 
the Poor of the four hamlets in Holmfirth, in the parish of Kirkburton aforesaid, for the use and benefit of 
the poor of the said four hamlets, so to be paid yearly at the chapel in Holmfirth ; the first payment to be 

* The family of Wilson had long been resident in the adjoining township of Netherthong. 

George Wilson, who was living in the reign of Henry VIII., had a son Anthony Wilson, who purchased the Thongs- 
bridge estate, where be afterwards resided and died — will dated 1579. He was succeeded by his son Humphrey, 
at Thongsbridge, who married Elizabeth Broadhead. He died in 1603, leaving Humphrey Wilson, his son and heir, 
then a minor, to succeed him in his estates; who afterwards married and had issue two sons — John and Anthony, and one 
daughter — Mary, married to Thomas Morehouse, of Stoney Bank. He died in 1669, aged 76 years. 

In 1664, this Humphrey, then of Thongsbridge, by deed bearing date 12th October, in that year, " to the end that the 
messuages, tenements, mills, and lauds at Thongsbridge aforesaid, may continue and remain in the blood and issue of him, 
the said Humphrey Wilson, so long as it shall please God to suffer," granted and entailed upon John AVilson the elder, his 
"son and heir apparent," and to Joshua Wilson, son of the said John and his heirs ; in default of issue, to John Wilson 
the younger and his heirs ; and in default, to Daniel Wilson and his heirs (both sons of the said John Wilson the elder) ; 
and in default, to his own right heirs. 

Joshua Wilson married Lydia , and had issue two daughters — Lydia and Mary, co-heirs : both living in 1703. 

Lydia married to John Roebuck, of Hollin House, in Fulstone ; and Mary married to William Wordsworth, of Sofley, in 
the parish of Penistone, who died, leaving issue a son — John Wordsworth, of Sofley, living in 1740 ; and two daughters — 
Ann and Mary. She married to her second husband, John Newton, of Stagwood Hill. 

Anthony, the second son of the said Humphrey, had property settled upon him by his father, at Mytham Bridge, in 
Wooldale and in Fulstone. He died in 1679, leaving a son — Luke Wilson, of Mytham Bridge, the donor of the charity, 

who married Esther , by whom he had issue three daughters — Abigail, married to Abraham Eadcliffe, of 

Meltham ; Hannah, married to John Kenworthy, of Hades ; and Sarah, married to John Grice ; and an only son — Thomas, 
who married Mary, daughter of George Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, in 1711, but who died within six months of his 
marriage, in the lifetime of his father, leaving a posthumous child — Luke Wilson, who was made by his grandfather the 
principal heir to his estates, but who died in 1723, of the small pox; aged about eleven years. 

Mrs. Wilson afterwards married the Rev. Timothy Aired, minister of the Old Chapel, in Morley, near Leeds. 

* Charity Commissioners' Reports. 

aa2 



196 Cofamsjjip of TOmlbale. 



made and paid after the exViilVtid'4 of the first year next after my decease, and to make the same yearly 
payment on the same day 01 ti e month, and at the same place, for ever; and if it happen the said Luke 
Wilson, my grandson, shall die \. ithout issue — (which event happened), — I then further give and bequeath 
Three Pounds more of lawful British money, to be paid yearly for ever, after his decease, to the Overseers 
of the Poor of the four hamlets aforesaid : the first payment to be made at the expiration qf one year next 
after his decease, at the place aforesaid." 

Jackson's and Maesden's Gift. 

" It appears from the returns of Charitable Donations made to Parliament, in 1786, that Martha Jackson, 
in 1733, gave by deed, for the Poor of Holmfirth, or some part thereof, a rent-charge often shillings a 
year, which was paid in 1786, by Joshua Cuttell ; and that Joshua Marsden, in 1751, gave for the poor 
the sum of twenty pounds, which was, in 1786, in the hands of J. Bray; and for which he paid, as 
interest, eighteen shillings a year. 

" We have made enquiry respecting these charities, but have not discovered whether they are regularly 
paid and applied, or what persons are at the present time liable to the payment of them. "* 



1* 



Rent-Charge out oe a Close called Foxholme-Head, in Wooldale. 

" Whereas, Henry Jackson, of Totties, did, for several years, pay to the Overseers of the Poor of the 
hamlet of Wooldale 3s. 4d. per annum, to be distributed to such person or persons as the Inhabitants of 
the Hamlet of Wooldale, or the major part of them should order or direct ; and since that ye Church- 
wardens of the Chapelry of Holmfirth, have made a presentment into the Consistory Court of York, as 
though a certain Close ^or parcel of Land called Foxholme-head, or Holme-head, did belong to the 
Chapel of Holmfirth, or to the Curate there, or to some such like effect ; Whereupon the said Henry 
Jackson hath refused, and still doth refuse, to pay the said sum of three shillings and fourpence per 
annum in manner aforesaid ; and now being treated with by us, Godfrey Crosland and Luke Wilson, 
touching the same, the said Henry Jackson doth condesend that if ye Inhabitants of the said Hamlet will 
and do take off, make null and void ye said presentment, made at the said Court aforesaid, that then, in 
neighbourly and friendly way, after Certificate of making void and null of the said presentment, he will 
settle by lawful assurance, at the charge of the said Inhabitants, ye said sum of three shillings and four- 
pence per annum, to be paid out of the said Close, to ye Overseer of the Poor, for the time being, of 
ye said Hamlet of Wooldale for ever : in case he and his heirs or assigns, so long quietly enjoy the said 
Close without disturbance or incumbrance of or by the Vicar of Kirkburton, the Curate of Holmfirth, or 
the said Inhabitants of Wooldale aforesaid, or any of them, to be distributed by such Overseer in manner 
aforesaid." " Examined by us, 

"Godfrey Crosland, 
" Luke Wilson. 
"This was signed by Henry Jackson, upon ye 11th of Nov., 1691." 

The foregoing is copied from an original MS. given under the hands of the 
said Godfrey Crosland and Luke "Wilson : but no such payment is now made. 

Amount of ancient enclosure 1,410 acres 

Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosures 960 „ 

Total 2,870 „ 



Cfltonsbip oi Hqjhrortj). 



The etymology of this place, from the Anglo Saxon Pep, signifies high ; and 
Worth, a residence. This township is high ground, and may be considered as 
answering pretty correctly to this description. 

It is one of five townships described together in the Domesday survey, under 
the name of Cheteuurde [Cartworth], which comprised six carucates. (See 
page 132.) 

This township is bounded by Fulstone on the north-east; Thurlstone — over 
high and bleak moorland — on the south ; and by Wooldale and Cartworth on the 
west ; and comprises about 3370 acres. 

The village is pleasantly situated on the western acclivity. The land around 
the village, and along the ravines and dells, is fertile and good ; but the greatest 
part of the township is bleak, cold, and sterile. 

This township, according to tradition,, was visited by the plague, about the 
time at which it raged in London, in 1665. I have met with no authentic record 
concerning its ravages. There is little doubt of the fact, as tradition has 
preserved the principal circumstances to the present time ; and, moreover, in 
excavating the ground for building some cottage-houses in the village, about forty 
years ago, the workmen dug up a quantity of human bones. This tends to 
corroborate the tradition, and at the same time furnishes a reason why no records 
are to be found of it in the parish register of the time, as there can be no doubt 
the dead were interred in a field adjoining the village, and not in the parochial 
burial ground. 

It has already been stated that the inhabitants of this parish suffered very 
severely from the plague, in 1558, from which time the registers are silent, till 
about the year 1645, when several entries occur of persons having died of " the 
plague" and "the sicknesse;" from that time no further entries appear in that 
record of this destructive malady. 

The particulars of the tradition are briefly these — as they are still related by the 
oldest and most intelligent persons of the village : 

During the great plague in London, a quantity of wearing apparel had been 
sent to Foster-place (a farmhouse near to Hepworth, then occupied by a family of 



198 Cofottsljij? of H-ephHrrflj. 



the name of Beever), supposed to have belonged to a near relative who had died 
in London. After its arrival, on being unpacked, the parties were seized suddenly 
ill, and died shortly after ; and those who attended upon them likewise sickened 
and died. By this means it was carried into the village of Hepworth, in the 
southern part of which it appears to have raged with considerable violence, 
carrying desolation wherever it went. At this juncture the inhabitants of the 
north-west end of the village had not yet been visited by it ; they therefore deter- 
mined to cut off all communication with their infected neighbours, and erected a 
strong hedge or fence across the street or highway, and thus refused all inter- 
course with them. It is remarkable that this part of the village was thus saved 
from an attack of the disease. 

Hepworth gave name to a family, of whom I find Adam de Hepworth, in 1333, 
who held lands also in Huddersfield. I find persons of the name resident in this 
township as late as Edward YI.'s reign. A branch of the Hepworths settled in 
Shepley, of whom we have already furnished some account. 

There is little in this township to engage the attention of the observer, except 
its bold and diversified scenery, which cannot fail to excite the attention of 
strangers. 

Milshaw Hall. 

A family named Kaye owned considerable estates here and in other parts of the 
graveship of Holme, at the beginning of the last century. This mansion was built 
on the site of a former one, about the close of the seventeenth century. It is a 
plain but substantial structure, with scarcely any external ornament : within, the 
rooms are spacious and lofty.* The situation is wild and romantic in a high 
degree — seated on the eastern acclivity, about a mile above the village of Hep- 
worth, along the ancient highway, from thence to Penistone, up the steep and 
rugged side of a magnificent hill called Cheesegate-nab.f The situation is bleak 
and exposed, yet possessing an extensive view to the south-west, over high and 
barren moorland scenery — beneath, in the valley, is seen winding over the hills, 
the Wadsley and Langsett turnpike road. 

Behind the house, the cumbrous side of Cheesegate-nab rises with rapid ascent 
to a considerable height. 

The Kayes were resident here at the commencement of the reign of Elizabeth : 
how long before that time it is difficult to determine. The name occurs frequently 

* A considerable part of this house has been taken down since this account was written. 

t This is, no doubt, a corruption of the " Eastgate-nab," or " East-nab ;" the gate signifying the highway, which passes 
along its side. Thus tho "East-nab" is in contradistinction to the "West-nab," near Meltham : two very prominent 
mountain ridges, standing due east and west of each other. 



Cfltonsljip of Jp^tuortlj. • 1 99 



in old copies of court roll, and in other documents connected with this township, 
and other parts of the graveship of Holme. I find " John Kay, of Milsha," in 
the year 1569, who had a son Humphrey baptised in that year; which son had 
issue John Kay, who was baptised 17th May, 1601, and married Elizabeth, 
daughter of John Sotwell, of Catling Hall. He was buried 15th August, 1664, 
leaving issue two sons — Jonas and Joshua. 

Jonas Kaye — who built the present mansion at Milshaw, — married, first, 
Elizabeth, the widow of Oliver Roberts, of Wooldale, about the year 1669. She 
died, leaving no issue. He married to his second wife, Olive Halley, his servant, 
by whom he had issue several children ; two only of whom survived him — John 
and Esther. He died in 1723, aged eighty-four years, leaving both his children 
minors : his wife Olive having died several years before. He bequeathed to his 
daughter a portion of £2,000. She afterwards married John, son of Oswald 
Hatfield, of Hatfield Hall, near Wakefield, — marriage covenant dated 15th Sep- 
tember, 1729. She had issue. 

John Kaye, son and heir, was thirteen years of age at his father's death. He 
was left under the guardianship of his uncle Joshua Kaye, of Barnside, and 
Henry Jackson, of Totties Hall. Joshua Kaye died in 1728, aged eighty-five 
years. By his will he bequeathed the sum of £200 towards the augmentation of 
the living of Holmfirth Chapel [Church], and leaving no issue, he devised the 
whole of his real estate to his nephew, John Kaye aforesaid. 

John Kaye, on coming into possession of his estate, built Butterley Hall, in 
the township of Fulstone, for his own residence : he abandoned Millshaw, 
disliking the situation as being both bleak, cold, and difficult of access. From 
this period this ancient residence of the Kayes has been left to fall into decay. 

He married , but died in 1745 without issue. He devised his 

estates to his wife for life, with remainder to John Hatfield, his nephew, who was 
to take the name of Kaye. 

Mrs. Kaye afterwards married to her second husband James Banks, who held 
the estate till the death of his wife, which did not take place till about 1799. 
During that period he got the coal, cut down the timber upon the estate, and 
otherwise impaired its value. In consequence of which, Mr. John Hatfield 
Kaye, the heir, commenced an action against him of waste, which was kept up 
many years, at a very heavy cost to both parties. 

Mr. Hatfield Kaye married,— the 30th May, 1772,— Miss Wentworth, of 
Henbury, in Dorsetshire, whose brother afterwards became Earl of Strafford, of 
Wentworth Castle, and who dying without issue, Mr. Hatfield Kaye came into 



200 • CofoiTSJttjj nf fj^ntoortf*. 



possession of that estate in right of his wife ; which, however, neither of them 
lived long to enjoy. Mrs. Hatfield Kaye died at Wentworth Castle, 25th 
October, 1802. 

Mr. John Hatfield Kaye, F.S.A., was a person of literary tastes, but his bias 
was more particularly for topographical and historical enquiries. He was 
intimately acquainted with Charles S. Brooke, Esq., of the Herald's Office, 
London, Richard Henry Beaumont, of Whitley Hall, Esq., and Mr. John Wilson, 
of Broomhead, near Sheffield, and other eminent antiquarians. Nor was he a 
mere admirer of these interesting and useful pursuits. He undertook, along with 
the gentlemen above-named, to assist in writing a history of the West-Riding of 
the county of York. In this stupendous undertaking Mr. Beaumont, of Whitley, 
was to undertake Agbrigg ; Mr. Hatfield Kaye, Morley ; Mr. Wilson, the western 
part of Strafford ; Mr. Brooke, the remainder of Strafford, with Staincross and 
Osgoldcross. But from causes not probably at present known, unless by the 
sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Brooke, it was never published, and, perhaps, 
never compiled.* Mr. Hatfield Kaye died in 1804, at Hatfield House, near 
Wakefield, in the seventy-third year of his age. He devised his estates here to 
his brother and sisters — the Wentworth Castle estates having descended to the 
Vernon family. 

The estates at Hepworth and other parts of the graveship of Holme were 
afterwards sold : that in Hepworth was bought by William Heap, a manufacturer, 
who became a bankrupt ; when it was re-purchased by the late Mr. James Shaw, 
of Lockwood, afterwards of Hepworth, in whose heirs it now vests. The 
remainder of the estate was sold in small lots. 

Mealhill. 

It is situate at the foot of Cheesegate-nab, or the Eastgate-nab, and possesses a 
north-westerly aspect, having Mount Scar on the east, intersected by ravines, and 
interspersed with wood, coppice, plantations and green fields, to within a short 
distance of their summit : comprehending a most agreeable variety of bold and 
majestic scenery in so limited an extent. 

This place was for several generations the inheritance and residence of the 
family of Jackson. They left the place about the time of the plague in Hepworth, 
to which they never returned, — having taken up their abode at Langley Brook for 
a time ; but afterwards built Totties Hall, in the township of Wooldale, where we 
have given a more extended notice of them. From Mr. Henry Jackson having 

* Mr. Hunter's South Yorkshire, vol. ii., pages 2C1-2. 



Cnhmsjyip of Pcjihwrilj. 201 



frequent occasion to go from Totties to Mealhill, he was obliged to cross 
through the principal stream in the valley, which was often attended with 
inconvenience ; he therefore erected a bridge over it at his own expense, which 
received the name of Jackson's Bridge, which it still retains, and in its imme- 
diate vicinity there is a rather populous and increasing hamlet. Thus per- 
petuating a name — the family from which it was derived having long since 
become extinct. 

Mealhill passed from the descendants of the Jacksons about ninety years since, 
to the ancestors of the present proprietor, Mr. Uriah Tinker, for whom it forms 
an agreeable residence. 

Preparations are now being made for the erection of a church in the village 
of Hepworth. A National School was built here in 1852, in which religious 
worship is regularly conducted. In connexion with it is a Sunday school. 

Wesletan Methodist Chapel, Jackson Beidge. 

This chapel was built in 1808, when the Rev. Robert Newton was one of the 
ministers stationed at Holmfirth. The cost of its erection was £1,400, and it 
contains about four hundred sittings. It is surrounded by a spacious burial 
ground. Connected with the chapel is a Sunday school. 

Register of baptisms commences in 1802, and the register of burials in 1814. 



Iftomtmxntitl Inscriptions. 



In Memory of Uriah Tinker, of Mealhill, who died January 29th, 1849; aged 71 years. Also of 
Ebenezer Tinker, his eldest son, who died June 11th, 1855 ; aged 48 years. 

Martha, wife of John Hinchliff, of Barnside, died March 3rd, 1814; aged 50 years. Ann, wife of the 
said John Hinchliff, died May 9th, 1836; aged 68 years. The said John Hinchliff, died February 19th, 
1841 ; aged 74 years. 

Philip Tinker, of Hepworth, died November 11th, 1845 ; aged 67 years. 

Joseph England, of Stalley Royd, died the 5th of April, 1823 ; aged 55 years. Mary, his wife, died 
29th August, 1842 ; aged 66 years. 

Fanny, wife of Eli Crosland, of Hepworth, died July 6th, 1852; aged 68 years. The said Eli Cros- 
land, died January 22nd, 1856, in the 70th year of his age. 

Joshua Brook, of Choppards, died 17th May, 1842 ; aged 76 years. Mary, his wife, died April 1st, 
1852 ; aged 85 years. 

Isaac Holmes, of Hepworth, died November 14th, 1837; aged 55 years. Mary, his wife, died 
November 18th, 1853 ; aged 70 years. 

Mary, wife of Jonathan Booth, of Winney Bank, died June 21st, 1854 ; aged 71 years. The said 
Jonathan Booth, died January 21st, 1855 ; aged 82 years. 

John Roebuck, of Law-slack, died June 5th, 1855 ; aged 76 years. 

BB 



202 Cohmsjjip of Jfenfoorilj. 



John Haigh, of Scholes, died February 19th, 1847 ; aged 74 years. Lydia, his wife, died January 
1st, 1854 ; aged 80 years. 

Mary, wife of Jonathan Holmes, of Hepworth, died November 17th, 1835 ; aged 52 years. The 
said Jonathan Holmes, died June 28th, 1850 ; aged 75 years. 

Thomas Moorhouse, of Arrunden, departed this life October 12th, 1846 ; aged 38 years. 

Martha, wife of Abraham Taylor, late of Ebson House, departed this life July 25th, 1 854 ; aged 61 years. 

John Marsh, of Barnside, died November 23rd, 1836 ; aged 64 years. Lydia, his wife, died May 
14th, 1842 ; aged 65 years. 

Mary, wife of Jonathan Haigh, of Carlcoates Townhead, died 23rd May, 1836 ; aged 65 years. The 
said Jonathan Haigh, died January 1st, 1852 ; aged 81 years. Sarah, wife of John Haigh, of Hill-top, 
died February 9th, 1843 ; aged 46 years. The said John Haigh, son of the above Jonathan Haigh, died 
May 4th, 1854 ; aged 61 years. 

Primitive Methodist Chapel, G-atehead. 

This small chapel, which is situated on high ground, was erected for the accommo- 
dation of a scattered mining population, about the year 1836. Connected with it 

is a Sunday school. 

Hepwoeth School. 

" Richard Charlesworth, by will dated 5th January, 1649, gave all his lands in Hepworth to the use of a 
free school, to be built within the town of Hepworth.* 

" The property devised under the will consists of a piece of land in several small closes, at Fieldhead, 
in Hepworth, containing together 8a. 3r., or thereabouts, and is in the occupation of William Robinson, 
as tenant from year to year, at the annual rent of £8 8s., but it appears to be worth £10 or £12 a year. 

" It is not known who is the heir-at-law of the testator Richard Charleworth ; but the late Mr. Abel 
Tinker in his lifetime acted as a trustee, and his ancestors also, as is understood, acted as trustees in letting 
the school land. ****** 

" There is a tradition that part of the land was formerly sold, and the purchase money applied in 
building a school. The old school was taken down and another was built on the site of it, in or about 
the year 1753, by means, as is understood, of a subscription of the inhabitants of Hepworth. * * 

" The right of nominating the master appears to have been exercised by Mr. Uriah Tinker, and his 
ancestors, jointly with the inhabitants of the township, assembled at a meeting for the purpose. 

" It has not been usual for the master of the school to teach children free on account of the rents of 
the school land ; but on account of five pounds a year paid under Bray's Charity, it is incumbent on the 
master to instruct four poor children free ; and in compliance with Mr. Uriah Tinker's desire, he takes 
five children as free scholars, and those children are instructed with others received into the school as pay 
scholars, to the number of forty, in reading, writing, and accounts." 

Bray's Charity. 

" Philip Bray by will dated in 1725, bequeathed ten pounds : the interest thereof to be distributed among 
poor persons of Hepworth. -f- 

" The annual sum of ten shillings interest of this gift used to be paid and distributed by the late Mr. 
Abel Tinker, who died in 1824, together with an annuity of five pounds, which he paid in respect of the 
school already mentioned." 

* Charity Commissioners' Report. t Id- 



&0fams(p:p 0f J^ixrcrtlj. 203 



" Philip Bray, of Hepworth,* grandson of the above-named Philip Bray, by will dated 16th January, 
1764, desired and recommended Tedbar Tinker, Uriah Tinker, and Ebenezer Tinker, to settle and give 
an annuity of twenty shillings to be issuing out of an estate at Hullock, by the said will devised to Abel 
Tinker, son of the said Tedbar Tinker, to be paid half-pearly to such of the poor inhabitants of the town- 
ship or hamlet of Fulstone as should have no relief from the common box or public assessments ; and also 
an annuity or yearly sum of five pounds, to be issuing out of some estate of inheritance within the town- 
ship or hamlet of Hepworth, to be paid and divided half-yearly to and amongst such poor inhabitants of 
the hamlet of Hepworth as should have no relief from the public assessments ; and also to settle and 
convey a messuage or tenement called Dean, within Hepworth, with the lands to the same belonging, in 
the occupation of Grace Marsden, or the rents and profits thereof, to themselves and to such other person 
or persons as they should think proper, for the use of the Schoolmaster of the Free School of Hepworth 
for ever : trusting that they would readily and cheerfully confirm his intention as above expressed." 

" As to the testator's intention in favour of the poor of Fulstone, we find that no specific provision was 
made after his death, but the annual sum of twenty shillings was paid by his family, and distributed, and 
payment was directed to be continued by the will of the late Mr. Abel Tinker, and the money is now paid 
and distributed among poor persons of Fulstone by James Moorhouse, the owner, in right of his wife, of 
an estate at Hullock, devised to her by her father, the said Abel Tinker. 

" As to the charities intended for the poor of Hepworth, and the school there, we find that by an 
indenture dated 23rd September, 1765 (reciting so much of the will as regards the settlement of five 
pounds a year for the poor of Hepworth, and that for carrying the testator's intention into execution, the 
said Tedbar Tinker and Uriah Tinker, who survived the said Ebenezer Tinker, had surrendered to the 
Lord of the Manor of Wakefield, a rent-charge of five pounds out of the messuage called Deanhead, and 
the closes of land thereto belonging, to the use of John Tinker the elder, John Tinker the younger, Abel 
Tinker, John Green, and John Hatfield Kaye, and their heirs and assigns), it is declared that the said 
Kaye, and others his co-trustees, should receive the annuity of five pounds upon trust, to pay and divide 
the same amongst such poor inhabitants of the township or hamlet of Hepworth as in the said will 
mentioned, on Christmas-day and Midsummer-day, in such shares and proportions as they should deem 
proper ; and it was thereby directed that when two or one of the trustees should be dead, the survivors 
should elect such number of other persons as they should think fit to be trustees with them ; and when 
there should be but one or two of the grantees living, they should grant the rent-charge unto the persons 
elected trustees, and their heirs. And we find that by another indenture of the same date (reciting that 
the said Philip Bray had by his said will devised to the said Tedbar Tinker and Uriah Tinker and 
Ebenezer Tinker then deceased, and their heirs, equally as tenants in common, his real estate not therein 
otherwise particularly devised : and further reciting so much of the will as relates to the testator's intention 
respecting the Free School at Hepworth, and reciting that the said Ebenezer Tinker had by his will 
devised all his real estate to the said Uriah Tinker and his heirs), the said Tedbar Tinker and Uriah 
Tinker granted unto the said John Hatfield Kaye and others, his co-trustees in the former deed named, 
their heirs and assigns, a yearly rent-charge of three pounds fourteen shillings out of the messuage called 
the Dean, and the closes therein named to the messuage belonging, upon trust, to pay the said annuity to 
the Schoolmaster of the Free School at Hepworth on Christmas-day, for teaching four poor children at 
one time, of inhabitants legally settled in and belonging to the township or hamlet, to read the English 
language, and in writing and accounts : such children to be chosen by the said trustees, and continued at 
school so long as they should think proper ; and in case of their refusal to nominate a sufficient number 
of children, then such children should be chosen by the churchwarden and overseer of the poor of the 



* Charity Commissioners' Report. 

bb2 



204 C-ofonsjrijj at J^hmiijj. 



township or hamlet of Hepworth : and a direction for appointment of new trustees is therein contained, 
similar to that in the former deed. 

" No new trustees have been appointed in conformity with the directions contained in the deeds ; and 
Mr. Uriah Tinker is the son and heir-at-law of Abel Tinker in the deed named, who survived his 
co-trustees. 

" The annuity of five pounds is paid in respect of property belonging to Mr. Uriah Tinker, and is 
distributed by him and his brother, Mr. Philip Tinker, or one of them, with the concurrence of the others 
half-yearly, at the schoolhouse at Hepworth, among poor persons of Hepworth selected by them, not 
receiving parochial relief. 

" The annuity of three pounds fourteen shillings issues out of property belonging to the said Mr. Philip 
Tinker, and is paid by him to the master of the school at Hepworth. 

" It appears to us that new trustees ought to be appointed for the purposes mentioned in the deeds." 

Tinkee's Chaeity. 

" Mr. Abel Tinker, of Hepworth, in the year 1853 purchased for £208 15s. two closes of land, at 
Field-heads, with a mistal and conveniences thereon, and an allotment at Lower Bent, containing 
together, including the site of the buildings, 3a. 3r. 25p., and caused the same to be surrendered at his 
own expense to ten trustees — himself being one, — with powers to let from year to year, or for a term of 
years, and also powers to sell or exchange if thought advisable, and to invest the moneys and interest out 
of the rents and proceeds to keep the buildings and fences in good repair, or improve any other premises 
then held for the benefit of the schoolmaster for the time being of the Old School in Hepworth, and subject 
thereto, to pay the residue of the rents and proceeds unto the schoolmaster for the time being of the said 
Old School, for or towards his maintenance and support. Ample provision is made in the trust deed for 
the appointment of any number of new trustees for the purposes of the trust, to be chosen from the male 
owners of land and buildings resident within the township of Hepworth, whose property shall be of the 
annual value of £5 and upwards, according to the parochial valuation for the time being of the property 
in the said township." 

Amount of ancient enclosure 1,440 acres 

Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosure 1,930 „ 



Total 3,370 



■>> 



This hamlet is partly in the townships of Wooldale, Fulstone, Hepworth, and 
Cartworth, in respect to the poor ; but forms a separate township for its high- 
ways. It is now a populous and increasing village. 

The Primitive Methodists have recently erected a small chapel. There is also 
a small village schoolroom and house. 



^objnsjjtjj of Caritoortjj. 



At the time of the Domesday survey, five vills or townships were comprehended 
under Cheteuurde [Cartworth], containing "six carucates," but in the recapitulatio 
of that record the name of each vill is given, of which "Cheteuurde" stands at 
the head, viz. : In Cheteuurde [Cartworth], Heppeuurde [Hepworth], Vluedel 
[Wooldale], Fugelstun [Fulstone], Tostenland [Thurstonland], the King six 
carucates, in the soke of Wakefield, having belonged to King Edward the 
Confessor. 

This clearly indicates that Cheteuurde [Cartworth] was the Saxon name of 
this part of the Confessor's demesne, which after the Norman survey acquired 
that of the Graveship of Holme. Having under the "Chase" already stated at 
some length what seems not an improbable conjecture, we must refer the reader 
thither for further explanation. 

It is remarkable that the township of Cartworth has no ancient village of the 
name, although it contains several populous hamlets. A place now called Cart- 
worth was in the seventeenth century a single messuage surrounded by a con- 
siderable plot of land, which was then owned by a family of the name of Castell. 
This place in old writings is sometimes styled " Cartworth House" : we have 
already had occasion to mention this fine bold promontory. 

About the middle of the seventeenth century, this estate of the Castells passed 
to the Croslands, but whether by marriage or purchase is uncertain. 

Godfrey Crosland resided here early in Charles II. 's reign, and died in 1684. 
A Godfrey Crosland of this place married, in 1700, Mary, daughter of the Ifcev. 
Charles Wilson, M.A., rector of Babworth and vicar of Sheffield, and had issue 
Thomas Crosland, an only son, who succeeded his father at Cartworth, but in 
1744 he removed to Foulby, near Pontefract, where he died. 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Hade-Edge. 

This small chapel was built in 1841, at a cost of £160, for the convenience of the 
scattered population of that high district. A large schoolroom also has lately 
been erected. 

Amount of ancient enclosure _ 1,204^ acres 

Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosure 1,615^ ,, 



Total 2,820 



IN THE PAEISH OF ALMONBTJEY. 

These townships, which form a part of the graveship of Holme, constitute a 
portion of the parish of Almonbury, but their rectorial tithes vested at a very- 
early period in the Church of Dewsbury. 

What were the circumstances which led to such an ecclesiastical assignation, 
seems difficult to be accounted for at this distance of time ; or why these town- 
ships were not assigned to the Church of Burton, in the same baronial fee which 
formed the extreme boundary westward against that of Pontefract, the owners 
of which were tenacious of their respective rights and privileges, is equally 
shrouded in mystery. 

Under the Rectory of Burton (pages 49-51), we have given what seems not an 
improbable conjecture on this subject. 

After the Norman barons had acquired their large possessions, they manifested 
a readiness to propitiate the favour of the priesthood, to whom they made large 
contributions, by the endowment of churches, &c. ; but in this instance the lords 
of Wakefield appear to have carefully guarded their own churches, by reserving the 
rectorial tithes over these lands to their own Church of Detvsbury. 

It has already been stated that the Churches of Dewsbury and Burton were 
granted by the third Earl Warren, along with Wakefield and others, to the Priory 
of Lewes, in Sussex. These churches afterwards vested in the Crown, in the 
person of Edward III., and were by him granted in 1348 to his newly-founded 
College of St. Stephen's, Westminster. At the dissolution of the religious houses, 
these again reverted to the Crown, with which they remained till James I. sold 
the rectorial rights of these parishes to Sir George Savile, of Thornhill, Knight 
and Baronet. 

The letters patent bear date 4th August, the fourth year of his reign [1605], in 
which he granted to William Yernon, of Soothill, and Christopher Naylor, of 
Wakefield, Gentleman, in fee farm for ever, among other things, " all those two 
Rectories of Wakefield and Dewsbury, in trust for the only use and benefit of the 
said Sir George Savile and Dame Elizabeth, his wife, and her heirs," which said 
premises, after the death of the said Dame Elizabeth Savile, descended and came 
to Sir John Savile, of Lupset, Knight, her son and heir, who by his indenture 
dated 31st October, 11 Charles I., [1635], 

Sold and granted to Joshua Earnshaw, of Holme, yeoman, John Green, of Holme, yeoman, and 
Humphrey Kay, of Holme, yeoman, "for the sum of four score and thirteen pounds six shillings and 

eightpence," "all and singular the tithes of Corne, Sheaves, Graine, Hay, Grasse, Wooll, Flax, 

and Woods, and all other tithes whatsoever, yearly coming, growing, happening, renewing, and increasing, 



gwtorial Cit^s xrf $ahm f #.t. 207 



and which at all and every time and times hereafter shall yearly come, grow, happen, renew, and increase 
of, within, and upon all and singular the lands and tenements, fields and closes, meadowes, pastures, 
intakes, improvements, Inclosures, Commons, Moors, Wastes, Wastegrounds, Woods, Hereditaments 
whatsoever, with all their appurtenances lying and being within the Towne, Townefields, territories, pre- 
cincts Township or Hamlet of Holme, in the county of York, excepting the Tithe of Lambs, being part, 
parcel, por'cons, or member of the said Rectorye of Dewsbury, in the said county of York, or so known, 
accepted, or reputed to the same Rectorye, in anywise belonging, appertaining, incident, or appendant, or 
to or with the same Rectorye, or any part or parcell thereof, had used, occupied or enjoyed as part, parcel, 
or member thereof, in whose tenure or occupation soever the same or any of them bee." "And all 
rights," &c, " to have and to hold," &c, by these presents, &c, " to their only proper use and behoof," 
&c, to their heirs and assigns for ever. To be holden of the Lord or Lords of the Manor of East Green- 
wich, in free and Common Soccage, and not in Capite or Knight's service, they paying yearly to the said 
Chief Lord or Lords the yearly rent of 6s. 8d. 

The purchase of the tithes of the three townships took place at different periods. 
The deed for Upperthong bears date 1st November, 1639. 

It appears that the owners of property in each township being desirous of pur- 
chasing the tithes arising from their respective lands, combined for that purpose — 
each bearing his proportionate share of the expense ; three or four of the principal 
proprietors being chosen, to whom the conveyance was made ; and from whom 
a few of the proprietors afterwards took conveyances, while the rest allowed it to 
become extinguished by lapse of time. 

There is one point connected with the deed from Sir John Savile to the land- 
owners of Upperthong, which is deserving of notice (as it differs from that to the 
land-owners of Holme, above recited), wherein is conveyed 

" All and singular the tithes of Come, Sheaves, Graine, Grass, Hay, Wooll, Flax, Hemp, Wood, and 
Lambes, and all other tithes," &c. 

Here lambs are included, while in the deed for Holme they are specially excepted. 

An act was passed in the 9 and 10 Victoria, chap. 73, " To Amend the Act for 
the Commutation of Tithes in England and "Wales," &c, by which the several 
tithes of these townships have been commuted for fixed annual payments. 

Holme — For the impropriate rectors, £3 per annum. For the impropriate 
rectors of Yateholme and Lydget (purchased by the owners of the property), £1 
per annum. For the vicarial tithes, £7 per annum. For Easter offerings and 
mortuaries, £3 10s. per annum. 

Austonley — For the impropriate rectors, £24 per annum. For the vicarial 
tithes, £15 per annum. For Easter offerings and mortuaries £8 15s. per annum. 

Upperthong — For the impropriate rectors, £18 per annum. For the vicarial 
tithes, £20 per ammm. For Easter offerings and mortuaries, £12 10s. per 
annum. 



Cotottsjrip of Jaime 



Or, according to the vernacular tongue, Holne — which agrees with the orthography 
of Domesday, — is a village and township at the head of the vale of Holme, and 
gives its name to a certain district or division comprising seven townships, known 
as the Graveship of Holme, which has already been described. This township is 
bounded on the west by Austonley, and on the east by Oartworth, and separated 
from them by deep ravines. The village stands on high ground, at the foot of 
Holme Moss, — that high and lofty mountain ridge which divides Yorkshire from 
Cheshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. The highest part of this ridge is about 
1,860 feet above the level of the sea. 

The Domesday survey, as we have had occasion before to state, mentions two 
Holmes along with Austonley and Thong. " There are to be taxed two carucates 
in Holne and another Holne, Alstaneslie and Thoac. One plough may till this 
land : it is waste. Wood here and there. Some say it is Thaneland : others in 
the soke of Wakefield." We are also informed that Dunestan had two carucates 
in Holne to be taxed, which, no doubt, included Austonley and Thong, as implied 
by the two carucates. 

The vills or townships here enumerated, were regarded as TJianeland ; and 
Dunestan, their last Saxon owner, was deprived of them by the Conqueror, who 
added them to his Free Chase of Holmfirth. 

A careful observer would look around here with some degree of perplexity, to 
discover the two vills of Holne. It is, however, with some degree of confidence I 
am able to point out the other, viz., at Yateholme — a farmstead about a mile to 
the east of the present ancient village of Holme. Yateholme being a corruption 
of East-holme, or, according to the common pronunciation of the district, Yeast- 
holme. 

The township of Holme is wild and romantic in the extreme, and from its lofty 
situation affords extensive and very diversified scenery. The views on a clear 
day are of a most imposing character, especially along the Huddersfield and 
Woodhead turnpike road, (which passes through the village and over the 
"Moss"), whence the vale below is seen to great advantage, with its numerous 
factories, mills, and thickly populated hamlets crowding the banks of that 



Cofamsjpp of §olmt. 209 



rapid stream, the river Holme. These busy hives of industry and wealth con- 
trast greatly with the thinly scattered population and partially cultivated lands 
of the neighbouring acclivities. 

This ancient village is in a high and exposed situation with scarcely a tree 
near it to afford it shelter from storms, or to sympathise in its weather-beaten 
aspect. The old families who were the principal owners of property here, have 
either become extinct, or their descendants have removed to a more genial clime, 
or possibly by a change of fortune are no longer occupying the same station. 

In the centre of the village stands an ancient messuage, with no very marked 
appearance, except that its erection must have taken place early in the reign of 
Elizabeth, when the dwellings of our yeomen were yet low and incommodious 
structures, and badly lighted. It has undergone many alterations, yet it still 
preserves, especially in the interior, much of its ancient character. In front 
of the house there was formerly a large square court, enclosed by a wall about 
eight feet in height, which has now almost entirely disappeared. This was for 
many generations the residence of the Earnshaws.* 

There is another small messuage in the village, belonging to the same family, 
and for one of whom it formed a residence. It was probably erected in the reign 
of Charles I., and although a smaller house, it is in some respects superior to the 
one already mentioned. The character and internal arrangements of both were 
suited to the simple and unostentatious habits of our ancestors. 

The following account of the Earnshaws of Holme, down to the close of 
Elizabeth's reign, is partly extracted from an ancient parchment MS. in the author's 
possession, and the remainder is gathered from a number of other evidences. 

John Erynshawe, of Holme, was living in the reign of Henry V. He held two 
messuages, one cottage, and forty acres of land there, by estimation, by copy of 
court roll; which, in the 6 Henry VI. [1427], he surrendered to his son John 
Eyrnshawe and his heirs, &c. : who, in the 16 Edward IY. [1475], surrendered 
the same to Robert Eryneshaghe : who, also, in the 6 Henry VIII. [1514], 
surrendered the same in reversion to his son William Erneshaghe, after his own 
death ; the said William to pay sixteen shillings yearly to his brother John 
Erneshaghe, for the life of the said John, after the death of the said Robert, their 
father. 

William Erneshay aforesaid surrendered the said messuages and lands in the 
30 Henry VIII. [1538], f to Thomas Erneshay, his son, who was dead on 

* This ancient messuage has since been pulled down and rebuilt, 
t In the recital Henry III. is styled "Supreme Head of the English Church on Earth." 

CO 



210 Comnsjnjj of Jaime. 



the 11th April, 1 Queen Mary [1554], when Humphry Erneshaw, his son and 
heir, claimed to be admitted to the said messuages and lands. The said 
Humphry devised the same to James Earnshawe, his son and heir, who was 
admitted in the 36 Elizabeth [1593]. The said James Earnshawe married, in 
1603, Grace Bynnes, daughter of John Bynnes of Over Brockholes, otherwise 
Bank End, in Thurstonland, by whom he left issue. He died in 1624, leaving 

Joshua Earnshawe, his son and heir, who married about the year 1638, 

daughter of William Crosley, of Honley. He joined with the rest of the land- 
owners of this township in the purchase of the rectorial tithe, in 1635, and was 
one of the parties to whom the same was conveyed. He was interred in the 
Church of Almonbury on 5th May, 1678, leaving three sons and two daughters. 

John, the eldest son, resided at Holme, and married Ellen , but had 

no issue. He died in 1697, and by his will devised lands to the poor of the town- 
ship of Holme. His widow married to her second husband the Rev. Joseph 
Briggs, vicar of Kirkburton. 

Joshua Earnshaw, the second son, was a merchant and became an Alderman of 
the city of York, and filled the office of Lord Mayor in 1692. He was the founder 
of Holme School. 

Susanna, the eldest daughter, married, in 1667, Joshua Ken worthy, of Hades, 

and had issue married to John Roebuck, of Hollin House, in Fulstone, 

yeoman. 

James Earnshaw, the youngest son, resided at Holme, and married , 

by whom he had issue two sons and three daughters, and was made by his brother 
Alderman Earnshaw, the principal heir to his estates. He died in 1723, aged 
seventy-five years. 

John Earnshaw, his second son, was educated at Oxford, where he took his 
B.A. and M.A. degrees, and entered the church. He was appointed Vicar of 
Glossop, where he died unmarried in 1729, aged thirty-six years. 

Mary, eldest daughter of James Earnshaw, was married to the Rev. Nicholas 
Jackson, incumbent of Sowerby Church, in the parish of Halifax, she died 
without issue. 

Hannah, the second daughter, married Thomas Morehouse, of Stoney Bank, 
and had issue. 

Martha, the third daughter, was married to Henry Greame, of Exley, near 
Halifax, who also had issue. 

James Earnshaw, the eldest son and principal heir to his father's estate, 
received his education at Oxford, and on the death of his father, resided 



(Lohwsljm oi IMntt. 211 



at Holme. He married Susanna Crosland, and had issue an only son, Joshua ; 
who, by the early death of his father in 1725, was left a minor, and sole heir to 
his estates. 

The said Joshua Earnshaw was educated at Cambridge, where he took his B.A. 
degree and entered the church, and was appointed Incumbent of Ossett, near 
Wakefield, where he died without issue, 1798. He devised his estates to Thomas 
Morehouse, the eldest son of his cousin George Morehouse, of Moorcroft, and to 
Henry Greame, of Exley, his half-cousin, in whose heirs the property now vests. 

Yateholme : 

A corruption of East-holme, now a single farm of about two hundred acres of 
ancient enclosure in the township of Holme, from which village it is about a mile 
distant. 

It seems not a little extraordinary that so unimportant a place as Yateholme 
should be mentioned as one of the vills in the Domesday record, while Nether- 
thong, Lockwood and Marsden in this parish, are not noticed. Perhaps the 
question whether this was Thane land, or whether it owed soke to Wakefield, might 
render a more minute statement necessary. Thus identified as a habitable spot 
at the Norman Conquest, it may almost be said that like the high mountain ridge 
which frowns above, it has passed through nearly eight centuries with scarcely 
any change ! 

The family of the Greens have been owners and occupiers of this estate 
for nearly three centuries ; but we are not able to give a connected pedigree. 

One of its members in the latter part of the last century seems to have afforded 
his neighbours some occasion for gossip and amusement on his marriage, as 
indicated by the following extract from the Leeds Intelligencer of November 2nd, 
1784: 

" Tuesday last, was married at Almonbury Church, near Huddersfield, Mr. John Green, an eminent 
farmer at Yeathom, near Holmfirth, to Miss Micklethwaite, near the same place: an agreeable young lady 
with a genteel fortune. They at the same time ordered the sexton to make a new grave for the interment 
of the lady's father, who then lay dead. And to close the day with every economical advantage, the 
young couple went to Huddersfield market to buy meat for the funeral of the old sire, and, at the same 
time, clothes for the nuptial festival." 

This estate has recently been purchased of the Greens by John Spencer Stan- 
hope, Esq., of Cannon Hall. 

cc 2 



212 Cotonsljip of Jaime. 






Holme School. 

The inhabitants of this township are indebted to the liberality of Joshua Earn- 
shaio,* an Alderman of the city of York, and a native of this place, for the 
founding and endowing of a free school. By his will bearing date 24th November, 
1693, he bequeathed to his brothers John and James Earnshaw, and to James 
France, the sum of £300, to be paid them out of the first money that should come 
into his executors' hands therein named, in trust to and for the intent that they 
should let the same out upon security, and out of the first accruing interest 
purchase some small piece of ground at Hinchley Mill, in the parish of Almonbury, 
and thereupon build a small Free School ; and afterwards the succeeding interest 
to be paid to a schoolmaster, for teaching the children of the inhabitants of Holme 
and Yateholme, in Almonbury parish, English and Latin free without further 
wages. And in case any of the trustees died, the survivor should choose a new 
trustee. And the said Joshua Earnshaw appointed his brother James Earnshaw 
sole executor of his said will. 

" Joshua Earnshaw, shortly after the making and publishing of the said will, died ; after whose death 
the said James Earnshaw duly proved the same, and took upon him the burthen and execution thereof; 
and so soon after as he had got in and received the sum of £300 out of the said Joshua Earnshaw's estate, 
did acquaint the said John Earnshaw and James France therewith, and the same was then placed out at 
interest ; and as soon as they had received any interest for the same, they did make application in order 

* He was the second son of Joshua Earnshaw, of Holme, yeoman. His mother was the daughter of William 
Crosley, of Honley, yeoman : a family at that time largely engaged in the woollen trade. Joshua Earnshaw, the second 
son, was brought up to trade, and settled in York as a merchant, where he carried on an extensive business many 
years, and acquired an ample fortune. He married, in 1674, Mary, daughter of Mr. John Croft, of York: she died leaving 
no issue. He married to his second wife Dorothy, the eldest daughter of Thomas Hutton, of Poppleton, Esq., grand- 
son of Sir Thomas Hutton, of the same place, Knight, who was the brother of Sir Timothy Hutton, of Marske, Knight, 
the sons of Dr. Matthew Hutton, archbishop of York. The marriage took place in 1686. The Rev. Oliver Heywood 
records in his diary near the close of the year 1685 (having been in York Castle for nonconformity), " he called upon Mr. 
Hutton, of Poppleton, where on the Sunday he had service in the house ; and at the earnest entreaty of Mr. Hutton, he 
staid there on the Monday, to spend a day in prayer, on account of his daughter then going to be married to Mr. Earn- 
shaw, of York." This branch of the Hutton family became attached to the Presbyterian paity, which probably arose from 
the eldest son of Sir Thomas marrying Dorothy, daughter of Perdinando, Lord Pairfax, who was the mother of the Mr. 
Hutton here mentioned, — a lady of singular prudence and moderation, who seems to have been held in much respect by 
all parties even in those difficult and exciting times. She was living at the time of Mr. Earnshaw's marriage, but 
died in the following year. Some interesting particulars of this lady are given in connexion wilh Shelley Manor, 
(pp. 90 and 91.) 

Mr. Earnshaw filled the office of Lord Mayor in 1692. He, however, died the following year, and was interred in St. 
Martin's Church, Micklegatc, in the chancel, where the following inscription appears on a slab on the floor : — 

" Hie jacet Corpus Juehoshuao Earnshaw, hujus Civitatis nuper Prefectus, obiit quarto die Decembris Anno iBtatis su» 

53, Anno que Domini 1693. 

Quod sibi quisq ; scrit prsesentis tempore vitse 

Id sibi messis erit cum dicitur, ite, venite." 



Cofonsfcip of iolim. 213 



to purchase a small piece of ground at Hinchley Mill, in order to build a small Free School upon, pursuant 
to the said Devise of the said Joshua Earnshaw ; but there not being any Lands at Hinchley Mill that 
could be purchased for that purpose, the said James Earnshaw — at the request of the inhabitants of Holme 
and Yateholme, in Almonbury parish, for whose benefit alone the said Charity was given, being the place 
of the nativity of the said Alderman Earnshaw, and the place where his brothers then dwelled, and where 
his father and his ancestors had lived many generations, and a place much more convenient and commo- 
dious in their judgment for a School to stand in for the children of the inhabitants of those places, and by 
the direction and by appointment of the other trustees, John Earnshaw and James France — did Erect a 
Free School at Holme aforesaid, out of the interest of the said Charity -money, in performance of the 
last will of the said Alderman Earnshaw ; and to improve the Charity, the said James Earnshaw did give 
a piece of ground of his own inheritance, whereon the said School was erected." * * * 

In 1698 the trustees of the said school agreed with John Armitage, of Cudworth, for the absolute 
purchase of an annuity, or yearly rent-charge of Ten Pounds, to be issuing and going out of the messuage 
or tenement and closes of land, &c, therein mentioned, in order to settle the same according to the will 
of the testator. And the said John Armitage, in pursuance of his agreement, by his indenture bearing 
date the 18/^ October, 1698, did, for the consideration of £200, and other considerations therein 
mentioned, give and grant to the said trustees and their heirs and assigns for ever, the yearly rent or sum 
of £10, to be issuing and going forth of one messuage or tenement called Hall Ing, with the appurtenances 
in Honley ; and of eight closes of land, arable, meadow, and pasture, commonly called or known by the 
several names of the Hall Ing, then divided into two closes, and called Great Ing and Over Ing ; one 
close called New Close, one close called Woodroyd, one close called Lane Side, two closes called 
Shellroyd, and one close called Dodroyd, and all buildings, &c, " To have, hold, preserve, receive, and 
enjoy the said Annuity-Rent of Ten Pounds unto the said trustees, and their heirs and assigns and 
succeeding trustees for ever, to be employed by them to the sole and proper use and behoof of the Free 
School at Holme aforesaid, and the schoolmaster that should teach there : payable yearly at the Feasts of 
St. Martin the Bishop, in winter and Pentecost, by even and equal portions, in or at the Schoolhouse at 
Holme aforesaid, yearly for ever; with power for nonpayment thereof to enter and distrain." 

In 1755, all the trustees of the said school, &c, then being dead, it was found that the Rev. Joshua 
Earnshaw, incumbent of Ossett, was the grandson and heir-at-law of James Earnshaw aforesaid, who was 
the last surviving trustee. The said Joshua Earnshaw was desirous that new trustees might be appointed, 
to the intent that the said charitable uses of the said Alderman Earnshaw might continue to be preserved 
according to the said will : and the trustees were increased to the number of five. This deed bears date 
9th June, 1755, and also recites that " there was at the same time the sum of £100 being the residue of the 
above-mentioned sum of £300, and also the sum of £25, being the interest of the said sum of £300, in 
the hands of the said Joshua Earnshaw, which, it was agreed, should be invested in the purchase of free- 
hold or copyhold lands, to be conveyed to the trustees then appointed, towards the maintenance of a 
schoolmaster of the said school ; and until such purchase should be made as aforesaid, the said Joshua 
Earnshaw would pay the yearly interest of the said sum of £125, after the rate of five per cent., unto the 
trustees : to be applied for the like maintenance as aforesaid." 

An indenture dated 6th January, 1800, for the renewal of the trust, recites, among other things, 
that the said sum of one hundred and twenty-five pounds had not been laid out in the purchase of lands, 
&c, pursuant to the undertaking of the said Joshua Earnshaw in the last-mentioned indenture, [1755]. 
but that he had contracted to pay regularly, interest for* the same, and in and by his last will and testa- 
ment in writing, had devised all his real estate to Thomas Morehouse, of Spring Bottom, and one Henry 



214 Cijfonsjjijj of jtolnw. 



Greame, who agreed to enter into an engagement to pay and apply the said principal sum of £125, 
pursuant to the undertaking of the said Joshua Earnshaw, and in the mean time to pay interest as directed 
by the before-mentioned indenture. It is also declared and agreed that upon the death or removal of 
every such schoolmaster, the said trustees, or survivors of them, should, within the space of three calendar 
months next after such death or removal, meet together at the Chapel of Holmfirth, and " elect and 
appoint such other fit and proper person to be master of the said school, in the place of him so dying or 
removing, as to the said trustees then present, or a major part of them, should appear to be most worthy 
of and fit for the said place or office of schoolmaster of the said school. And further, that when and so 
soon as the said trustees should, by death or otherwise, be reduced to the number of two, then such two 
trustees, or the survivor of them, should thereupon forthwith elect and make choice of so many and such 
fit persons to be trustees, together with the remaining trustees or trustee, as should then complete or 
make up the number of five trustees ; and then the old trustees should convey to the new trustees in 
manner therein mentioned. And further, that previous to any meeting of the said trustees for the trans- 
acting of any business or matters relating to the said trustees, public notice of such meeting should be 
given at the said Chapel of Holmfirth, upon a Sunday, immediately after divine service in the forenoon, 
at least six days before such meeting; and that at every such meeting the election or elections to be then 
made, and the matters and things then to be done and transacted, should be made, done, and transacted 
by the majority of the trustees then present, who should have power to conclude the minority." 

The trust was again renewed by an indenture dated 29th October, 1829, which, among other things, 
recites that the said sum of one hundred and twenty-five pounds had not been laid out in the purchase of 
any lands, &c, but that the two surviving trustees [Thomas Morehouse and John Green] were still under 
the engagement to pay apply the principal sum of £125, pursuant to the undertaking of the said Joshua 
Earnshaw contained in the indenture of 1755 ; and in the meantime to pay interest as directed in the 
same indenture. It was stipulated in the deed of 1800, that within three months after the death or 
removal of a schoolmaster, the trustees were to meet together at the Chapel of Holmfirth to elect another. 
The present deed, however, extends the period to six months. 

The trustees appointed in the last deed were Messrs. Thomas Morehouse, 
Isaac Beardsell, and Emor Green. 

John Eaenshaw's Chaeity. 

" John Earnshaw, of Holme, in the county of York, Gentleman, by his surrender bearing date about the 
28th September, in the 9 William III. [1697], did surrender into the hands of the lord of the manor, 
one close of land theretofore divided into two closes, called "William Earnshaw's Croft, and one barn and 
mistal in one end of the same, and one dwelling-house in the other end thereof, one little house called an 
oven-house, one garden, one fold, one day-work upon the Toft Birk, in Holmefield, one half day-work in 
the slack of the field, and one land lying above the end of the close called Wheat Close," &c„ " to the use 
and behoof of Ellen Earnshaw, wife of the said John Earnshaw, during the term of her natural life; and 
after the expiration thereof, to the absolute use and behoof of the poor of the hamlet and village of Holme 
for ever, to be let and disposed of to the best advantage by James Earnshaw, brother of the said John 
Earnshaw, John Roebuck, of Hollin House, and Edmund Broadhead, of Upperthong, which the aforesaid 
John Earnshaw appointed feoffees in trust for the same, if they were willing to accept thereof; and if they 
should refuse, then the aforesaid John Earnshaw gave power to three substantial men within the hamlet 
of Holme, and their successors for ever ; to be distributed proportionably according to the necessity of 



Cflixmsjnj? flf Joltiue. 215 



every one of them, out of the yearly rents and profits issuing out of the aforesaid premises ; viz., one half 
part thereof upon the second day of July, and the other half part thereof on the second day of February, 
whether shall first happen, successively for ever. 

"The copyhold estate was afterwards surrendered in 1755 by Joshua Earnshaw, heir of the surviving 
trustee, to the use of himself and four others, being the then trustees of the school at Holme, for the use 
of the poor of Holme;" and it has since descended in connexion with that trust. "The whole of the 
property as described in the surrender, is let to James Dearnley, as yearly tenant at £10 per annum : 
which is the fair value. 

" The rent is received by the trustees, and by them gr'en away twice a year, among poor persons of 
the township or hamlet of Holme, being the most deserving, and such as do not receive parochial relief."* 

Amount of ancient enclosure 1,009 acres 

Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosure 2,981 ,, 



Total 3,990 „ 

* Charity Commissioners' Report. 




ST. DAVID S CHUECH, HOLME BRIDGE. 



Cohmsljijj of %VL8tonh)). 



This township is about two miles south-west of Holmfirth, in the graveship, and 
is one of the vills mentioned in the Domesday survey as Alstaneslie. It comprises 
the greater part of the populous hamlets of Holme Bridge and Hinchliff Mill, 
contiguous to each other, and situated on the banks of the river Holme. It is 
separated from the township of Holme by a deep narrow valley, at the upper part 
of which the Bilberry Reservoir is situated, which burst its embankment in 1852. 

The district immediately above the reservoir is called Bradshaw, which is 
composed of a number of scattered farms, and is bounded by high moorlands. 

There is no village of Austonley, but a small retired mansion, or messuage, is 
known by that name, which for several generations has been the residence of the 
Greens, — a branch of the Greens of Green House in Cartworth, and of Yateholme. 
Mr. James Green Armitage is the present owner and occupier. 

Stubbin. 
A neat old mansion, somewhat modernized, on the banks of the Holme, adjoining 
Hinchliff Mill. This has been for several generations the residence of the Shaws, 
who own a considerable property in this and other parts of the graveship. It 
now belongs to the devisees of the late Mr. James Shaw, of , near Leeds. 



i&omnsliip of %untanh^. 217 



Holme Bridge Chuech. 

This cliurcli is situate within the township of Austonley, and was erected in 1838, 
at a cost of £2,500, and is dedicated to St. David. It is a neat Gothic structure 
with a tower, and is surrounded by a spacious burial ground. It is a district 
church, comprising the townships of Austonley and Holme. 

A commodious Parsonage has been erected for the incumbent, and handsome 
schoolrooms have been built, and Sunday schools, also, are in connexion with it. 



Monumental Inscriptions. 

In Memory of Adam Littlewood, of Green-gate, who died 12th May, 1840 ; aged 66 years. 

David Bower, of Hinchliff Mill, died May 9th, 1845 ; aged 28 years. Maria Bower, his wife, died 
March 28th, 1848 ; aged 32 years. 

Matthew Bower, of Hinchliff Mill, died 23rd January, 1851 ; aged 63 years. 

Mary Ann, the wife of Jonathan Midgley, of Hinchliff Mill, died December 16th, 1859; aged 28 
years. 

Wesletan Methodist Chapel, Hinchliff Mill. 

The Wesleyan Methodists have here a handsome chapel, under which is a large 
schoolroom. The chapel was built in 1839, at a cost of £1,850, and contains 
four hundred and ten sittings. An excellent organ has been added. Behind the 
chapel is a spacious burial ground. There are two schoolrooms in connexion with 
this chapel, used as Sunday schools : the one already mentioned, under the chapel, 
and another which was built in 1827. The latter of these is used also as a 
Denominational Day School. 

fftommuntal Inscriptions . 

In Memory of Joseph Barber, of Hinchliff Mill, who died January 4th, 1848 ; aged 75 years. Also 
Sarah, his wife, who died October. 6th, 1840 ; aged 65 years. Lydia, wife of George Barber, of Hinchliff 
Mill, died January 27th, 1853 ; aged 48 years. 

John Barber, of Holling Bridge, died December 22nd, 1857, in the 61st year of his age. John, his 
son, died September 4th, 1852; aged 17 years. 

Hannah, wife of Firth Barber, of Kilnhouse-bank, daughter of the late John Broadbent, of Longwood, 
died February 12th, 1855 ; aged 61 years. 

Jonathan Roberts, of Hinchliff Mill, departed this life 28th November, 1850 ; aged 70 years. Mary, 
his wife, died March 3rd, 1857 ; aged 77 years. John Roberts, of Hinchliff Mill, died April 4th, 1856 ; 
aged 54 years. 

Mary, wife of Henry Barber, of Holling Bridge, died May 13th, 1845 ; aged 27 years. 

Amount of ancient enclosure 939 acres 

Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosure 821 „ 

Total 1,760 „ 

DD 




ST. JOHN S CHUECH 



&0tmtsjjip of Epw-Cjj0ng. 



This township lies within and forms the north-west boundary of the graveship of 
Holme. It has a neat village, pleasantly situated on elevated ground, surrounded 
by a fine sweep of land. Thong, or Thoac according to Domesday survey, had 
not at that period the prefix of "Upper :" which was unnecessary, from the fact 
that no mil of Nether Thong did then exist ; as it does not appear in that record. 
The name seems to have been acquired from its being a narrow strip or thong of 
land, lying between the township of Austonley and the boundary of the grave- 
ship of Holme against Nether-Thong, otherwise Meltham-Half.* 

The greater portion of the population of this township has located along the 
banks of the river Holme, and the district constitutes an important part of the 
town of Hohnfirth, wherein many handsome shops, neat and commodious residences, 
and the Town-hall, have been erected within a comparatively short period. 

There are also the following places of worship : — 

* Nether-Thong, although now an independent township, was formerly called Meltham-Half: having been severed from 
Meltham at a remote period. 



Cohmsjnp flf Emj*r-CIjmtg. 



219 



St. John's Chuech. 

This very neat Gothic structure was built in 1846-7, at a cost of about £5,000, 
and will accommodate 700 persons. It was consecrated May 4th, 1848, and was 
constituted a district parish. In connexion with the church is a Sunday school. 
The Rev. William Flower is the present incumbent. 




Lane Independent Chapel. 

The origin of the Independents at Holmfirth* must be attributed indirectly to the 
ministry of the Rev. Henry Venn, the vicar of Huddersfield from 1759 to 1770, 
whose doctrinal views were highly Galvinistic. He had many hearers from 
Holmfirth and the neighbourhood, but the distance was so great that they 
naturally wished to be accommodated nearer home : hence arose the desire for a 
new place of worship. 

"At Holmfirth, however, they were too few in number and too feeble in strength 
to erect for themselves a new chapel ; and as the Methodists were similarly 
circumstanced, both parties united in building a small place at Nether-Thong, 
which was to serve them both, and which each was to occupy on alternate 
Sabbaths. This scheme, however, did not answer long to the satisfaction of 
either party. From the preaching of conflicting sentiments, differences arose, 

* For all the material facts in this account, I have to acknowledge my obligations to the Rev. John Cockin, formerly 
pastor of the congregation, and to the Eev. E. Willan, the present minister. 

dd2 



220 Cjotonsl/ip of Hper-®bortjg. 

which ultimately led to a separation between the two parties — the Methodists 
holding the chapel, arid the Independents relinquishing their right. 

"After considerable delay (during which, worship was conducted in a cottage), 
and amid many difficulties, the Independents erected for themselves a chapel at 
Holmfirth. 

" The first trust deed bears date May 14th, 1777 ; and on the 2nd of May, 1778, 
the chapel was duly registered ' as a place of public worship of Almighty God, 
for Protestant Dissenters.' 

" About the month of August following, the Independent Church was formed ; 
those who composed it agreeing to 'walk together in the faith and order of 
the gospel.' " 

In May, 1779, they succeeded in securing the services of a settled minister — 

Robert Galland — who had been educated for the ministry at the academy presided over by the 
Rev. James Scott, of Heckmondwike. Previous to his settlement at Holmfirth, Mr. Galland had been 
minister successively at Horton in Craven, Warwick, and Ukestone in Nottinghamshire. He held the 
pastoral office here upwards of twenty years, when his declining health obliged him to retire. He died 
January 12th, 1801, aged sixty-two years. 

Thomas Burton was chosen to succeed him. He had studied for the ministry under the Rev. Dr. 
Williams, at Rotherham College, and came to settle at Holmfirth on 28th June, 1800. His reception by 
the people was very cordial ; but the hopes of the congregation were speedily terminated in disappoint- 
ment. By a singular but painful coincidence, Mr. Burton died on the day that Mr. Toothill, of Hopton, 
preached the sermon on the occasion of the death of Mr, Galland — the 26th January, 1801. 

John Hammond, who had been educated at Rotherham, was next chosen. The call which had been 
given him was not unanimous, and, therefore, his settlement was not comfortable to himself or advan- 
tageous to the congregation. After a residence of three years, he availed himself of an invitation from a 
congregation at Handsworth, near Birmingham. 

John Cockin was the fourth minister. He had been educated at the Airedale College. The call 
which was given him was unanimous, and he entered upon his ministry July 1st, 1806; and his labours 
continued longer than those of any of his predecessors, and, indeed, longer than those of all of them 
together. He resigned May 6th, 1849 : having been minister forty-three years. During his ministry 
the chapel was twice enlarged, the chapel-house improved, two schoolrooms were built, and additional 
burial ground bought, — the whole at a cost of £1,500. 

James Macfarlane was the fifth minister. The call, which he accepted from the church and con- 
gregation, was unanimous, and he entered upon his ministry in August, 1849. He resigned in February, 
1855, — having accepted the pastoral care of a congregation at Windsor. During Mr. Macfarlane's 
ministry, the chapel-house was rebuilt, and a branch schoolroom was erected at Burnlee, at a total cost 
of about £600. 

The Rev. Robert Wilun, the present minister, received a unanimous invitation. His public 
recognition as pastor of the church took place September 3rd, 1856. Since Mr. Willan's settlement the 
chapel, chapel-house, and schoolrooms have been fitted-up with gas ; additional burial ground has been 
secured, and an excellent toned organ has been erected in the chapel, at the total cost of £500. 

The chapel is licensed for marriages. Register of baptisms commences in 1779. 



Cofonsjjtp of Epw-CbfliTcj. 221 

Utonuimntal Jhismgtimts . 

In Memory of Robert Galland, who was twenty-one years minister of the congregation assembling in 
the adjoining chapel. He departed this life January 12th, 1801 ; aged 62 years. 

Sarah, wife of Eli Wimpenny, of Hill, died October 3rd, 1838 ; aged 77 years. The said Eli Wim- 
penny, died March 5th, 1847 ; aged 73 years. 

John Bates, of Winney Bank, died 11th May, 1829; aged 70 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died 2nd 
July, 1829 ; aged 69 years. 

Mary, wife of Joshua Woodhead, of Bridge Mill, died January 27th, 1814 ; aged 71 years. The said 
Joshua Woodhead, died March 13th, 1814 ; aged 73 years. 

Mary, wife of Joseph Peaker, of Holmfirth, died September 4th, 1833 ; aged 65 years. The said 
Joseph Peaker, died February 1st, 1838 ; aged 75 years. 

Jonas Wimpenny, of Arrunden, died April 22nd, 1791 ; aged 62 years. Mary his wife, died June 
16th, 1807 ; aged 77 years. 

David Charlesworth, of Holmfirth, (formerly of Yew Tree), died June 27th, 1849 ; aged 73 years. 

Joseph Carter, of Upper Thong, died August 11th, 1812 ; aged 38 years. 

Christopher Green, of Bank-top, Austonley, died October 17th, 1830; aged 80 years. Mary, his 
wife, died March 21st, 1814 ; aged 62 years. 

Joseph Smith, of Hill, died October 16th, 1808 ; aged 36 years. 

Anthony Green, of Scholes, died November 4th, 1835 ; aged 75 years. Rachel, his wife, died 
January 24th, 1819 ; aged 57 years. 

George Wordsworth, of Upper-bridge, died September 29th, 1831 ; aged 71 years. 

John Taylor, of Ward-place, died January 16th, 1851 ; aged 74 years. Sarah, his wife, died July 
19th, 1S20 ; aged 40 years. 

Joseph Beardsell, of Holme, died April 8th, 1848 ; aged 56 years. Hannah, his wife, died January 
22nd, 1822 ; aged 27 years. Sarah, his second wife, died April 23rd, 1841 ; aged 44 years. 

John Hirst, of Digley Mill, died April 17th, 1831 ; aged 72 years. Hannah, his wife, died April 
18th, 1834; aged 74 years. 

James Beardsell, of Lane, died February 19th, 1817 ; aged 44 years. 

Martha, wife of Joshua Green, of Yew Tree, died April 30th, 1853 ; aged 66 years. 

Charles Beardsell, of Holme, died January 25th, 1852; aged 52 years. Lydia, his wife, died 
December 20th, 1858 ; aged 56 years. 

Joseph Dyson, of Holmfirth, died May 10th, 1850; aged 73 years. Jane, his wife, died October 
14th, 1856; aged 71 years. 

Charles Trotter, of Holmfirth, surgeon, died September 15th, 1853 ; aged 47 years. 

Hannah, wife of Thomas Iveson, Holmfirth, died September 3rd, 1835 ; aged 35 years. 

Benjamin Bradshaw, of Upper Thong, died November 6th, 1848 ; aged 70 years. Ann, his wife, died 
July 13th, 1849 ; aged 71 years. 

John Brook, of Upper Thong, died September 8th, 1857; aged 81 years. Hannah, his wife, died 
February 8th, 1848 ; aged 73 years. 

John Bower, of Park House, died March 3rd, 1859; aged 76 years. Hannah, his wife, died June 
27th, 1846; aged 53 years. 

Jonathan Turner, of Holmfirth, died August 8th, 1830 ; aged 67 years. Charles, his son (solicitor), 
died March 8th, 1854; aged 44 years. 



222 



Cofonsjnj? of Epw-Cfjomj. 




Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Holmpieth. 

This religious body, which has attained so extensive and influential a position 
among the Protestant churches of Christendom, has been of rapid growth. In 
the Holme valley it had its rise from the preaching of its founder, the Eev. John 
Wesley and his early converts, from about the middle of the last century. 

Mr. "Wesley has recorded in his very interesting journals several visits to the 
populous districts of Huddersfield, Halifax, &c. His first visit to Huddersfield 
was on the 9th June, 1757. He says : " I rode over the mountains to Hudders- 
field. A wilder people I never saw in England : the men, women, and children 
filled the streets as we rode along, and appeared just ready to devour us. They 
were, however, tolerably quiet while I preached : only a few pieces of dirt were 
thrown ; and the bell-man came in the middle of the sermon, but was stopped by 
a gentleman of the town. I had almost done when they began to ring the bells ; 
so that it did us small disservice." 

In 1759 he says ; "I preached near Huddersfield to the wildest congregation I 
have seen in Yorkshire ; yet they were restrained by an unseen hand ; and I 
believe some felt the sharpness of His word." 

On the 6th July, 17G7, he records : " In the evening I preached at Halifax, 
where I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Venn (vicar of Huddersfield), with whom, 
in the morning of Saturday the 7th, I rode to Huddersfield, and preached between 



®flfams(|ip of Hpxr-Cjjcng. 223 

eleven and twelve. The church was pretty well filled, considering the short 
warning." 

But although Mr. Wesley and Mr. Venn were agreed as to the work of man's 
salvation, their differing sentiments on certain points of doctrine ere long created 
great dissensions among their respective converts. Of this the former has furnished 
us with sufficient proof. On the 26th April, 1779, he states : "I preached at 
Huddersfield, where there is a great revival in the work of God. Many have 
found peace with God. Sometimes sixteen, eighteen, yea twenty in one day. So 
that the deadly wound they suffered when the Predestinarian brethren left them, 
is now fully healed ; and they are not only more lively, but more in number than 
ever they were before." 

It was not till 1788 (only three years before his death) that we find Mr. 
Wesley visited the vale of the Holme, and the parish of Kirkburton. On the 
30th April in that year, he records his preaching at Honley, about eleven o'clock. 
"After the curate had read prayers to a large and serious congregation, I preached 
on ' It is appointed unto all men once to die.' I believe many felt, as well as 
heard the word." The next day he preached on Aymerhouse Common, in the 
township of Shelley, six or seven miles from Huddersfield, where a vast multitude 
were assembled, who attentively listened to the counsels of the venerable patriarch. 
Of this meeting he says: " It was the largest I have seen since I left Manchester; 
the power of God was eminently present both to wound and to heal. I believe 
the congregation at Wakefield in the evening was larger even than this ; and the 
verdure of the trees, the smoothness of the meadow, the calmness of the evening, 
and the stillness of the whole congregation, made it a delightful sight." 

The first chapel which arose from the preaching of Mr. Wesley in the Holme 
valley, was erected at Deanhouse, near Nether-Thong, in 1769. In this (usually 
called the Nether-Thong Chapel) Mr. Wesley is reported to have preached.* 

In Holmfirth the first Wesleyan Chapel was erected about the year 1787 ; but 
as it became inadequate to the increasing number and wealth of the congregation, 
it was sold, and a more spacious edifice was built in 1810, at a cost of £2,300, 
and it contains eight hundred sittings. Attached to it are a small burial ground, 
and two houses for the resident ministers. The chapel is licensed for the cele- 
bration of marriages. The register of baptisms began in 1792, and that of burials 
in 1814. There is a commodious schoolroom, which is used both as a Sabbath 
and day school. 

Holmfirth became the head of a circuit in 1810, when the present chapel was 

* This chapel has recently undergone extensive repairs and improvements. 



224 Cflfonsjjip of M$px-&lpn%, 

built, and comprises within its limits Hep worth, Nether- Thong, Meltham, 
Thurstonland, Hinchliff Mill, Hade-Edge, Shepley, and Wooldale. 

At the time Holmfirth was appointed the head of a new circuit, the Rev. John 
Brown and the Rev. Robert Newton were the resident ministers; by whose 
popular preaching and active labours the general interests of Methodism were 
greatly promoted. 

According to the custom of the body, the ministers are removed at stated 
periods. The present ministers are, the Rev. Michael Johnson and the Rev. 
William Fern.* 

Marble tablets in the chapel : 

Sacred to the Memory of the late Reverend Aaron Floyd, Wesleyan Minister, whose remains are 
deposited in the burial ground adjoining this chapel. He was born at Gateshead, in the county of Durham, 
on the 9th of May, 1780 ; and died at Bradford, in Yorkshire, on the 12th of May, 1836 ; aged 56 years. 
He was a good man, an excellent scholar, a sound theologian, and a faithful minister of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. He died as he had lived, in the full faith and hope of those blessed truths which 
he had publicly proclaimed with eminent success for a period of thirty-two years, regretted by the Church 
of God, and deeply mourned by his beloved relatives, to whom his exemplary conduct in private life had 
greatly endeared him. 

This tablet was erected as a tribute of filial affection to a revered parent by his son, in the centenary of 
Methodism, 1839. 

Sacred to the Memory of George Gartside, of Holmfirth, who died October 4th, 1844, in the 64th year 
of his age, and was interred in the adjoining burial ground. 

In Memory of the late Benjamin Butterworth, of Holmfirth, who for thirty-nine years was a member 
of the Wesleyan Society, and one of the original trustees of this chapel. He died the 22nd of August, 
1846, in the 74th year of his age. 

Also of Sarah, his wife, who died June 17th, 1859 ; aged 78 years. 

In the burial ground : 

Matthew Butterworth, of Hillhouse, died October 26th, 1814 ; aged 74 years. Mary, his wife, died 
March 23rd, 1815 ; aged 80 years. 

Betty, wife of Joseph Roberts, of Hohnroyd, Honley, died July 6th, 1847 ; aged 74 years. The said 
Joseph Roberts, died August 23rd, 1852; aged 80 years. 

Joseph Cuttell, of Underbank, died November 18th, 1855 ; aged 64 years. Ann, his wife, died 
January 5th, 1829 ; aged 37 years. 

Samuel Stephenson, of Holmfirth, died October 19th, 1840; aged 37 years. 

Samuel Moorhouse, of Holmfirth, died December 21st, 1850; aged 64. 

Jonathan Sandford, of Dyson's Mill, Holmfirth, aged 45 ; and daughters — Sarah Jane, aged 9 years 
and 10 months ; and Emily, aged 4 years and 10 months ; all drowned by the bursting of the Bilberry 
Reservoir, February 5th, 1852. 

Samuel Sandford, of Butterley Hall, died June 24th, 1855 ; aged 74 years. 

* I am indebted to Mr. J. T. Taylor, of Eldon House, Holmfirtb, for much important information relative to Wesleyan 
Methodism in the district. 



CflfonsJHp ai Epj^r-Cjwitig. 225 

Cookson Stephenson Floyd, of Sands, died September 12th, 1859; aged 48 years. 

Rebecca Woodhouse, of Park-gate, died September 6th, 1834 ; aged 31 years. 

Joshua Moorhouse, of Holmfirth, died December 14th, 1820; aged 70 years. Mary, his wife, died 
August 25th, 1834 ; aged 80 years. 

Matthew Moorhouse, of Holmfirth, died July 23rd, 1825 ; aged 50 years. Sarah, wife of Joshua 
Moorhouse, of Holmfirth, died February 27th, 1835 ; aged 27 years. 

Thomas Greathead, of Holmfirth, died November 12th, 1825 ; aged 53 years. 

Joshua Cuttell, of died May 14th, 1823 ; aged 69 years. Mary, his wife, died April 20th, 

1834 ; aged 77 years. 

Joseph Lockwood, of Cinder-hills, died November 15th, 1857 ; aged 69 years. Mary, his Wife, died 
December 1st, 1857 ; aged 68 years. 

Mary, wife of John Harpin, of Burnlee, died September 5th, 1830; aged 31 years. Minerva, wife of 
the above John Harpin, died November 23rd, 1841 ; aged 39 years. The said John Harpin, died 
May 8th, 1849; aged 61 years. 

Joshua, son of Joshua and Elizabeth Earnshaw, of Holmfirth, died December 26th, 1823 ; aged 25 
years. Lydia, their daughter, died September 17th, 1826 ; aged 30 years. The said Joshua Earnshaw, 
died July 27th, 1827; aged 75 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died March 30th, 1828; aged 72 years. 
Hannah, their daughter, died November 14th, 1828 ; aged 44 years. 

James Batty, of Brown-hill, died June 5th, 1845 ; aged 60 years. 

Charles Hellawell, of Underbank, died April 17th, 1852 ; aged 57 years. 

Sarah, wife of Edward Marshall, of Upper Bridge, died October 8th, 1851 ; aged 57 years. The said 
Edward Marshall, died February 14th, 1859 ; aged 90 years. 

Ann, wife of James Bramall, of Holmfirth, died March 8th, 1855 ; aged 43 years. 

George Rollinson, of Gully, died October 18th, 1853 ; aged 80 years. 

Wesletan Free Church. 

This very neat and substantial building was erected in 1860, at a cost of £1,400, 

and contains about five hundred sittings. Under the chapel is a room used for 

the Sunday school. 

Upper Bridge School. 

This school was erected in 1829 by subscription, for the benefit of the surrounding 

population, and is employed as a day school. It does not belong exclusively to any 

religious denomination. 

Burnlee. 

It the year 1851, a National Schoolroom was erected at this place. About the 
same time the Independent Dissenters also built a schoolroom here. 

Upper-Thong School. 
This school and the house for the master were built in 1837, by voluntary sub- 
scription, at a cost of about £250 : the site being given by Mr. John Hirst, of 
Upper-Thong, 

EE 



226 ^flfonsjnjj jof Wi^px-^lpn^ 

Broadhead' s Ohaeitt. 

In the year 1726, Daniel Broadhead, of Upper- Thong, yeoman, surrendered a close of land called Park, 
and one other close of land to the same adjoining, called Park Ing, and one Spring Wood lying beneath 
the said closes, to the use and behoof of Elizabeth Broadhead, his wife, and to her assigns, for and during 
the term of her natural life ; and the reversion after her decease to the use and behoof of the poor of 
Upper-Thong for ever. The surrender not having been presented, a forfeiture of the estate was suffered, 
and a re-grant made to Mrs. Broadhead for life, at a Court Baron held at Wakefield, on the 20th July, 
1733 ; and from and immediately after her decease, then in pursuance of and compliance with a petition 
preferred by the Rev. Edward Rishton, vicar of the Parish Church of Almonbury, and Joseph Beaumont, 
churchwarden and overseer of Upper-Thong, and Joshua Earnshaw, John Moorhouse, Joshua Rowbotham, 
and Joseph Kinder, inhabitants, the reversion of the premises were granted unto George Hirst, Joshua 
Hirst, John Taylor, and Joseph Beaumont, being four of the principal and most substantial inhabitants of 
Upper-Thong, upon trust that they should receive the rents and profits, and the same divide and distribute 
to and amongst such poor persons within the hamlet of Upper-Thong as to them, or the major number of 
them, should seem to stand in most need thereof — but have not any relief from the said hamlet, yearly 
and every year, by even and equal half-yearly payments, on every Monday next after Holy Thursday, 
and on every Monday next after Christmas-day in every year for ever. And in trust to divide and 
distribute the monies arising and to be made by sale of the said Spring Wood, so often as the same should 
happen to be sold, to and amongst the poor aforesaid ; and at such days and times as are above appointed 
for the distribution of the said rents and profits. 

But little is known relative to the management of the trust for the first century after its creation, 
save this, that after Mrs. Broadhead's death the four trustees died, and the management fell into 
irresponsible hands. 

It appears by the reports of the Charity Commission, dated in 1827, that there was a sum of £170 
belonging to the charity lent at interest, on the security of two private individuals. 

In the year 1834, the commissioners executing the Graveship of Holme Enclosure Act, awarded to the 
trustees of Upper-Thong poor an allotment containing 3a. 1r. 30p., at Bradshaw, as common right in 
respect of the land at Park-head. 

In the year 1836, in consequence of some of the principal inhabitants of the township not being 
satisfied as to the mode of distribution of the funds of the charity, public meetings were held, and it was 
ultimately arranged that new trustees should be appointed ; and a presentment of the fact was made at a 
Copyhold Court for the Manor of Wakefield, of Mrs. Ann Bradshaw as the grand-daughter and customary 
heiress-at-law of Mr. John Taylor, the last surviving trustee, and she then surrendered the copyhold land 
and allotment to fifteen new trustees, of whom nine are still living : but two of these are residing in the 
British colonies. 

The first business of the new trustees was to endeavour, as far as possible, to place the trust on a 
proper footing. Since their inauguration proper books of account are kept, in which are entered the 
names and residence, with the amount distributed to each applicant. The distribution takes place twice 
a year, according to the original foundation ; and in the month of January in each year, a yearly account is 
made out of the trustees' receipts and payments, and of the balance in hand, and the same printed and 
circulated in the township. 

In respect of the debt of £170 reported upon by the Charity Commissioners, the trustees obtained pay- 
ment of £100, but the remaining £70 (which it is believed arose from sale of growing timber on the 
charity lands, about the year 1801), was advanced on note to the then churchwarden and overseers 



Cohmsjjip oi Wi%px-&\pn%. 227 

of Upper-Thong, for the purpose of paying or assisting in payment for a re-valuation then being made of 
the property in the township : there being at that time much distress ; and it was considered advisable not 
to lay an additional rate for the purpose of paying the valuers' charges, &c. 

All the parties to the note were dead long before the appointment of the new trustees, and it appeared 
clear to them that the money was not recoverable ; they, however, pressed the officers of the township 
from time time to reduce the debt, and succeeded in obtaining payment of interest on the amount for 
several years, and of £6 on account of principal ; but on a change of officers in the year 1845, the new 
officers refused to recognise the debt, or to render any assistance in obtaining payment of either principal 
or interest. Such being the case, and the trustees being advised that they had no legal claim upon the 
officers or the rates, caused a meeting of the ratepayers to be convened, to endeavour to get authority to 
liquidate the debt out of the funds of the township, but the meeting refused to give such authority, on the 
ground that they had no power ; there were, however, some few persons who, considering the township 
had been benefited by the moneys, thought the amount ought to be made good to the charity by a 
voluntary subscription — but this has never been carried out. 

One of the early acts of the newly-appointed trustees was the augmentation of the funds of their trust, 
by a purchase from the late Duke of Leeds of two cottages at Liphill Bank, in Upper-Thong, which were 
conveyed to them upon the same trusts as the other lands of the charity, and with power for the surviving 
trustees, when reduced to five, to convey the premises unto so many of the principal and most substantial 
inhabitants of the township as they shall think fit to succeed them as trustees, so that the number may 
always be and continue fifteen. 

About the year 1832 a short diversion of the Huddersfield and Woodhead turnpike road laid open the 
parcel of land called the Spring Wood, and rendered it eligible for building puposes. The trustees, in 
the year 1838, petitioned the Court of Chancery, and obtained power to let any part of the land at Park- 
head on building lease for the term of 999 years. Lots were soon afterwards let to five persons, — three 
of whom carried out the provisions of their leases, by erecting substantial buildings thereon ; but the two 
remaining leases have since been surrendered, from the inability of the lessees to carry out their engagements. 

The common allotment being unproductive without a considerable outlay, the trustees, in the year 
1854, sold it, with the approbation of the Charity Commissioners, for £56 : which sum is invested at 
interest in the funds, in the names of the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds.* 

The present income from the trust property is as follows : — £ s. d. 

Land at Park-head, let from year to year, 3a. 2r. 6p 12 12 

2,011 yards of building land on lease for 999 years, producing a ground-rent of .. 16 15 

1 ,040 ditto unproductive 

Two cottages at Liphill Bank, let from year to year 8 

Interest of cash invested in the funds 1 16 

£39 3 

Amount of ancient enclosure 563 acres 

. Common land added at the graveship of Holme enclosure 2,467 ,, 

Total 3,030 „ 

* I am under obligations to Mr. Mr. Lawton, of Holmfirth, for the foregoing statement respecting this charity, and for 
other valuable information relative to Holmfirth. 

EE 2 



gisasinrus Jloubs m % Points ftalleg. 



The mountain streams which converge in this valley, become quickly swollen into 
rapid torrents, from the sudden melting of snow, a rainy season, or a heavy 
thunder-storm, and sometimes acquire extraordinary magnitude, rushing forward 
with irresistible fury. 

Numerous instances are on record of very large floods having occurred here, 
which have been attended with more or less destruction to property, and at times 
with loss of life. We give the following as the most remarkable. 

1738. 

" May 7th, Sunday. — The morning was extremely hot and sultry. In the middle of the forenoon the 
district was visited by a very severe thunder-storm, — a cloud having burst over Scholes Moor, from which 
a prodigious quantity of water descended like cataracts down the ravines and narrow gullies, quickly 
swelling the larger rivulets into impetuous torrents. The stream of the Ribbleden valley acquired an 
enormous bulk. The flood forced its way into the Chapel [Church] of Holmfirth, while the congregation 
was assembled, — exciting great consternation and alarm as the water rose to a considerable height in 
the pews. 

Much damage was done to surrounding private property, and also to the public highways. 

1777. 

" July 23rd, Wednesday. — There was a sudden and a most calamitous flood at Holmfirth and its confines, 
and the greatest damage done that was ever known, to meadow grounds, mills, bridges, and several 
dwellinghouses ; and three lives lost." 

" In the middle of the afternoon," states one who witnessed it,* and viewed its ravages afterwards, " a 
tremendous thunder-storm burst on the hills above Holmfirth, accompanied with such torrents of rain as 
almost instantly to fill all the small rivulets and brooks, which, on uniting with the main stream, formed 
a vast body of water, spreading far beyond its accustomed channel, sweeping away wears, walls and 
hedges ; inundating the adjacent lands, tearing up trees, carrying away haystacks, timber, &c. ; and 
although its progress was occasionally checked by narrow passes, or obstructed by bridges, &c, yet these 
apparent impediments only added to its gigantic and irresistible force. By the time it reached Holmfirth 
it rolled down with a breast of several yards perpendicular, sweeping before it, or crushing down by its 
enormous force, wears, bridges, mills, and houses ; in short everything within its reach was either swept 
away, or gutted and made a complete wreck. 

" At the upper part of the town, what is usually called Lower Mill, with the dwelling-house and 
furniture, &c, were instantly overwhelmed and swept away, with the single exception of the waterwheel. 

* The late Mr. Joseph Ilolmes, schoolmaster, Holmfirth. 



Jfkobs m % folrrtt MIeg. 229 

Holmfirth Mill, then a corn mill, was completely gutted ; not a window or a door left, though the walls 
remained ; but of the fulling mill, now* the site of Messrs. Gartsides' dyehouse, only a few yards below, 
on the same side of the river, scarcely a vestige remained. Many other mills in the district suffered in a 
similar manner ; and together with loss of cattle, sheep, &c, the destruction of property was very great. 

" But the most melancholy part of the story remains to be told. Three men were carried off Mill-hill, 
in the middle of the town, in the sight of hundreds of trembling spectators, who were unable to render 
them the slightest assistance, or even make their warnings heard, from the roaring of the torrent. Their 

names were Elkanah Hinchliff, publican, John Booth, of Scholes, and Lindley, carpenter, Holmfirth. 

Booth was afterwards found in a tree near Bridge Mill ; Lindley was found near the King's Mill, 
Huddersfield ; and Hinchliff was found near Horbury. Several bodies were also washed out of their 
graves in the parochial burial-ground. All the level ground on the banks of the river was covered with 
mud, stone, and wreck, like the bottom of a torrent, over which was spread broken furniture, machinery, 
timber, &c. 

" This awful visitation came so suddenly, that several persons could with difficulty be got out of their 
houses ; and in some instances were only saved by breaking through the roof, either themselves or by 
their neighbours. 

" Had this calamity occurred in the night, many persons in these exposed situations must have been 
surprised in their beds, and the loss of life would have been far greater." 

The estimated loss by the destruction of property is stated to have exceeded 
£10,000 ! A general brief went through the kingdom, and it is said that a large 
sum of money was obtained, and distributed for the relief of the sufferers. 

This was for more than seventy years designated Holmfirth Geeat Flood. 

1821. 

" September 21st. — A sudden and alarming flood occurred above Holmfirth. After a continuous 
heavy rain, a large reservoir burst its embankment, situate near the head of a narrow valley or gully, 
across which it had been constructed, for the supply of water to the Blacksyke Mill, which stood imme- 
diately below. The embankment gave way, letting loose a large body of water, which forced down the 
buildings in its course, leaving the inhabitants and the workpeople of the mill adjoining, and at Burnlee 
Dyehouse below, only just time to hurry to the heights and escape its destructive fury. The flood 
occurred about seven o'clock in the evening, and subsided before ten ; but the inhabitants did not dare 
to retire to rest." 

1852. 
By far the most calamitous flood which this district ever sustained, was occasioned 
by the bursting of the Bilberry Reservoir, at the head of the Holme valley, early 
on the morning of the 5th February, 1852. 

Before we proceed to narrate the particulars of this melancholy disaster, it 
seems necessary to premise a few facts, to enable the reader to form a clear 

* This account was written in 1838. 



230 Jflrarbs ht % ffrlwc Mhu. 

apprehension of the circumstances "which doubtless led to such appalling results, 
the remembrance of which is still vividly impressed upon the public mind. 

In the year 1837, on the 8th June, an Act of Parliament received the royal assent, authorising the 
construction of several large reservoirs within the graveship of Holme, for the better supply of water to 
mills in the Holme valley during the dry seasons. 

The act gave power to construct eight reservoirs on the streamlets emptying themselves into the river 
Holme ; with an authority to borrow money to the amount of £40,000 for their construction. The 
superintendence and perpetual management of this undertaking was vested in commissioners, under the 
title of " Commissioners of the Holme Reservoirs." 

The preamble of the act recites that, " Whereas there are many mills, factories, and other premises 
situate near the line or course of the overflowing of the waters in the river Holme," &c., "and of streams 
flowing into the said river Holme, using water-wheels, engines, or other machines worked by water 
flowing along such streams and brooks ; and whereas the supply of water to such mills is very irregular, 
and during the summer months is frequently insufficient for effectually working the wheels, engines, and 
machines in such mills, factories, and premises, which irregularity might be greatly remedied by making 
and maintaining an embankment and reservoir on the brook called the Digley Brook, at Bilberry Mill," 
&c. The act next goes on to appoint commissioners, consisting of mill owners, and owners and occupiers 
of falls of water in the district of the value of £100 a year and upwards. 

The estimated cost of the reservoirs which the act empowered the commissioners to make, was early 
discovered to be wholly inadequate, and three only of the eight reservoirs were completed, viz., the 
Boshaw, the Holme Styes, and the Bilberry : each situated on the largest tributaries of the river Holme, 
within the graveship, and made at the cost of £70,000. 

The Bilberry reservoir is situated at the head of a narrow gorge or glen, leading from Holme Bridge 
to a high bluff of land called Good-Bent, and supplied by two streams draining the moors of Holme Moss 
on the one side, and the hills running up to Saddleworth on the other. The confluence of the streams 
takes place between two large hills, called Hoobrook-hill and Lumbank, that run parallel to each 
other, and the valley then opens out and forms an extensive oval basin of not less than three hundred 
yards diameter. 

The reservoir is formed immediately above this basin, by a large embankment across the valley, some 
three hundred and forty feet long, and ninety-eight feet high : enclosing about seven acres of surface 
available for storing water. 

The construction of this reservoir was let to Messrs. Sharp and Sons, of Dewsbury, in 1838, for 
£9,324 ; but in consequence of some dispute arising during the making of the embankment about a defect 
in the foundation, owing to a spring in the centre of the puddle-bank, the contract was broken, and the 
commissioners were involved in a chancery suit. The contract was afterwards re-let to Messrs. David 
Porter and Brothers ; and by the advice of Mr. Leather, of Leeds, engineer to the commissioners, a 
coffer-dam was sunk in the centre of the embankment to get to the seat of the spring, and means adopted 
which it was then hoped would remedy the defect. These means proved, however,, ineffectual, and the 
embankment leaked more or less up to the time of its bursting. The embankment was originally intended 
to retain about sixty feet of water in the reservoir, and was constructed of the debris of the valley, with a 
puddle-bank of about four yards in breadth running through the centre. The inner slope of the embank- 
ment was three to one, and covered with stone sets ; the outer slope was two to one. 

The bye-wash, which was a circular chimney about four yards in diameter, was on the south or right-hand 



ffiaobz m % falwut Mfeg. 231 

side of the reservoir, and was sunk through the embankment near to its junction with Hoobrook-hill, and 
communicated with a tunnel emptying itself on the lower side of the embankment. Its height from the 
bed of the reservoir was fifty-nine feet, and was originally eight feet lower than the top of the embank- 
ment. The outlet of the water was by an open culvert along the bed of the reservoir, communicating 
with the tunnel referred to, by two patent trap-doors or shuttles, situated directly parallel to each other at 
the bottom of the chimney. These traps or shuttles were placed the one inside and the other outside the 
east wall of the chimney, and were worked by perpendicular rods, raised by a common screw on a platform 
at the top of the chimney. In the event of the trap-doors being insufficient to convey the surplus water 
away during extraordinary supplies, the water on rising to the level of the chimney or bye-wash, would 
meet with a way of escape presumed to be adequate to all contingencies. At a subsequent period the 
embankment settled considerably towards the centre, and its surface became sunk below the level of the 
bye-wash. This circumstance, and the neglect of the commissioners to restore it to its former height, or 
to reduce the length of the waste-pipe or chimney in a corresponding degree, may be regarded as the 
immediate cause of the awful catastrophe. 

It is calculated that at the time when the embankment gave way, the quantity of water in the reservoir 
would not be less than eighty-six millions two hundred and forty-eight thousand gallons, or the enormous 
and fearful amount of three hundred thousand tons in weight 

For several days the water had been noticed to increase in the reservoir, although one of the shuttles 
was constantly kept open — (the other not being in working order). The reservoir had been filling during 
the greater part of the day of Wednesday the 4th, at the rate of eighteen inches an hour, and the action 
of the wind against the inner face of the embankment was also considerable. A strong impression seemed 
to prevail in the immediate neighbourhood that it would burst if the rain continued, on which account, 
many persons visited the place during the afternoon and evening ; but such apprehensions and reports 
having on former occasions been excited, and having proved groundless, were, therefore, now generally 
received with greater or less incredulity. Several persons, however, remained on the embankment 
watching the steady advance of the water till the first overflow swept away a considerable portion of the 
outer embankment, which not being faced with stone, offered little resistance to the torrent of water 
pouring down its surface. It was not till it had arrived at this stage that an alarm of their perilous 
situation was attempted to be given to the inhabitants of the valley below : but, unfortunately, it had then 
been too long delayed. 

The outer bank was soon gone ; the puddle-bank next gave way, and then, just as though the inner 
embankment had been struck with lightning, the whole mass of earthwork gave way with a loud thundering 
crash, and the pent-up waters which formed this gigantic reservoir, rushed with fearful velocity through 
the opening thus made. This terrible outburst was described by some of the spectators who were on the 
neighbouring hills at the time, as being awfully grand. The moon was shining brightly, and the rain had 
ceased, when, about one o'clock, the embankment gave way : but the wind howled fearfully, as though 
some portentous event was about to happen. 

At the base of the embankment stood a small building, two stories high, called Bilberry Mill, 
in the occupation »f Joseph Broadhead, and used as a woollen mill. Being built on one side, and 
rather out of the direct course of the torrent as it rolled down the valley, only the end of the mill was 
caught by the sudden swell, and about ten feet in length and its gable were washed down. The fulling- 
miller here had the charge of the shuttles of the reservoir. He had been watching the progressive rise 
of the water until it began to overflow, when he returned to his house to remove a part of his furniture, 
&c. ; while thus engaged the embankment gave way, and it was with difficulty he made his escape. 



232 JfXauirs m % golrmt ftdfeg. 

A little further down the valley, and on the same side as Bilberry Mill, stood Digley Upper Mill, 
lately occupied by Mr. John Furniss, woollen manufacturer, whose affairs were in the Leeds Bankruptcy 
Court. The buildings were a block of stone-work, consisting of a factory, a large house, farm buildings, 
and out-houses. The end of the mill was washed away, also a quantity of machinery, and a large amount of 
property in the shape of pieces, warps, &c, were destroyed, and the gable end of the house (which was com- 
paratively new), and the whole of the farm buildings swept away. In the latter were twelve tons of hay, 
three cows and a horse, &c. In the house were Mrs. Furniss and her two children, and in bed, in one of 
the chambers, were two messengers from the Bankruptcy Court. They were alarmed at the rapid rise of 
the water about half-past twelve o'clock, and left the house ; one of the messengers had barely time to put 
on his clothes and get to the rising ground before the final burst of the reservoir took place : he had to 
wade up to the middle in water before he could gain the mountain side. The fulling-miller in this factory 
had been confined to his bed for several weeks, and he with his family remained in the house at one end of 
the mill until the following day, when he was taken away. 

The valley, from the reservoir down to this point, opens out to a considerable width. On the pre- 
ceding day the whole of the intervening flat was a fine sweep of rich meadow land : it now presented 
a strange contrast, being thickly covered with sand and loose stones, giving it the appearance of having 
been washed for ages by a vast mountain torrent. 

The tremendous force of the flood is indicated by the fact, that two immense pieces of rock, each of 
them estimated at from four to five tons weight, were carried from the side of the reservoir embankment 
by the force of the torrent, and deposited near to Furniss's house : a distance of a quarter of a mile ! 

On approaching the Digley Mill, the valley narrows rapidly, the brow on each side becoming quite 
precipitous. In this narrow gorge was erected the Digley Mill, belonging to Mrs. Hirst, widow of the 
late Mr. George Hirst. The property consisted of a large mill, sixty yards in length, four stories high ; 
a large weaving shed, containing thirty-four power-looms and other machinery ; extensive dye works, two 
good dwelling-houses, seven cottages, barn, mistal, sheds, &c. The whole of this extensive property, with 
the exception of the mill chimney, was swept away ! Part of the steam engine remained, but the huge 
boilers were floated down the stream with the greatest ease. With the buildings were also swept away 
four cows and a valuable horse ; also £50 in cash, which Mrs. Hirst had in the house at the time. The 
loss was estimated at about £10,000. 

The factory, which was filled" with machinery driven by a steam engine and a water-wheel, crossed the 
valley in a position to receive the flood in all its force, as it dashed along between the rocks on either 
hand. Fortunately there was no loss of human life here. The families had removed just before the 
reservoir gave way, for some friends having become alarmed for their safety, had prevailed on them to leave 
their homes. The rumours which induced some of these persons to remove, were current in Holmfirth 
the same evening, but unfortunately the inhabitants, from often having heard similar reports before, 
disregarded them, and retired to rest, hoping that all would be well. 

Bank-End Mill is the next building in the valley. Its gable end and one window-length from the top 
to the bottom of the building were washed away. It was completely gutted in the lower rooms, and the 
machinery in the upper stories was thrown together in heaps. The dyehouse and ^tove, about twenty 
yards long, were completely cleared away, leaving nothing standing above the ground. This mill was in 
the occupation of Messrs. Roebuck, woollen manufacturers. 

The valley here widens, until it reaches Holme Bridge, — a small hamlet, comprising two or three 
hundred inhabitants. Here the stream is crossed by a bridge of one arch, the greater part of which was 
swept away. About forty yards on one side of the stream stands Holme Bridge Church, in the centre of 
the grave-yard. 



Jfloobs in % Holme M%. 238 

The walls around the church were washed away, and the few trees planted in the church-yard were 
uprooted. The interior of the church and the church-yard presented a melancholy spectacle. Inside the 
church the water had risen about five feet : the floor was torn up, the pews had been floating, and there was 
a deposit of sand and mud several inches thick. In the centre of the aisle was laid the body of a 
goat, which had been washed from Upper Digley Mill, and within a few feet of it, resting on the seat of 
one of the pews, lay the coffin and remains of a full-grown man, which, with other bodies not found, 
had been washed up from the graves by the whirlpools formed by the current, as it passed over the 
church-yard. 

Thus far there appears to have been no sacrifice of human life ; but a little lower down, at 
the village of Hinchliff Mill, the loss of life was very great. This village is on the left bank of the river, 
and consists principally of cottage-houses. The mill which gives its name to the village, is a large 
factory, five stories high, erected on the opposite side of the river. From Holme Bridge to this point, 
the banks of the river become more confined, yet this mill withstood the force of the torrent without any 
serious damage to its walls, though the water passed through the first and second stories, and did great 
damage to the machinery, &c. On the village side of the river, six dwellings, three stories high, which 
formed "Water-street," were swept down and hurled forward with the flood, and all the inmates (forty- 
two in number), perished, except seven. 

The houses in this neighbourhood not washed away, were in some cases flooded into the chambers ; 
and in one of them were sixteen individuals, who saved their lives by getting on to the next roof. In the 
adjoining houses, which are known by a different name, five persons perished from the houses being filled 
with water : thus making forty lives lost in this locality, being about one-half of the whole number 
that perished. 

The names of the occupiers of the six cottages in Water-street were, Crosland, Charlesworth, Dodd, 
Earnshaw, Marsden, and Metterick. 

Notwithstanding the great loss of life at this place, there were some almost miraculous escapes. One 
of the most remarkable was that of James Metterick, aged 24, who resided with his father in Water-street. 
He stated there were ten of them in the house when the flood came. On being awoke, he put on some 
of his clothes and ran to the window, where he met with his step-mother, and they at once saw that the 
reservoir had burst. The other children were at this time below ; but the father handed them up, and 
they were placed in the chamber. Just then the deluge came, and the water burst into the room. He 
and Mrs. Metterick again seized the children, and carried all but one a story higher : the flood caught 
the father and the one child on the stairs : the next moment the whole house was carried away, and he saw 
no more of the family : he found himself in the raging torrent, and was swept before it for a quarter of a 
mile like a feather. He at length succeeded in laying hold of a floating plank, but soon after lost it, 
and then seized another, and was carried aside into the Bottom's Mill Reservoir, where he floated in 
comparatively still water ; and by paddling, and the aid of the wind, succeeded in getting on land. 

From Hinchliff Mill the valley again opens out. In the centre of the valley stands Bottom's Mill ; 
but as the flood here became widely spread, this large factory sustained comparatively little damage. 

The next in the line of the flood were the machine shops and works of Messrs. Pogson and Co., to which 
much damage was done. The Victoria Mill also sustained great damage to its machinery, &c. Here the 
valley again becomes contracted, and so continues through the town of Holmfirth. At Victoria Mill, 
three cottages, built close to the river side, were destroyed. At the time of the calamity, twenty persons 
were in these cottages, and were rescued only by a communication being opened up, through the walls, 



234 Jfl 00 * 1 * m *&* lolnu Mku. 



with the end house, which was rather higher up away from the flood. Here, in one chamber, the poor 
creatures were huddled together, expecting momentary death, when at length the water abated sufficiently 
to allow of their being removed, which was barely effected before the house fell. 

Within a short distance, on the opposite bank of the river, stands Dyson's Mill, which was occupied by 
Mr. Jonathan Sandford, and near to which he resided. His house was swept away, leaving scarce a 
vestige behind, and with it himself, his two children, and servant. The factory sustained very serious 
damage, both in its walls and machinery. The bodies of Mr. Sandford's daughters, and his house- 
keeper (Ellen Wood), were found a few days after the flood ; but the body of Mr. Sandford was not 
found until 20th February, — more than a fortnight afterwards. 

Prickleden, or Farrar's Upper Mill, is the next ; and the large dyehouse was completely cleared 
of its huge pans and fixtures. One of the engine boilers, weighing six tons, was carried away to Berry 
Brow, a distance of three miles. The damage here was estimated at upwards of £3,000. This was the 
property of Mr. John Farrar. 

From this place, through the town of Holmfirth, the banks of the river were closely built upon : conse- 
quently the destruction of property was very great. 

The factory known as the Lower Mill, situate a little below Prickleden, was built across the stream ; 
but the torrent of water rushed onwards, and carried the greater portion of the factory along with it, 
leaving only the two ends standing. The mill was filled with valuable machinery and woollen material, 
the property of Mr. Hobson Farrar. 

Between Mr. John Farrar's dyehouse and Holmfirth is Scar-fold. It consists of the lower stories of 
cottages, which face towards the stream, over which are others abutting upon the high-road. One of the 
cottages, which projected a little further to the stream, was swept away ; but its occupants (Jonathan 
Charlesworth, his wife, and two children) being alarmed, made their escape. In the adjoining house, two 
children of Richard Woodcock's were lost. In the next row of houses below all the inhabitants escaped, 
except in one house occupied by Joseph Helliwell and his family, who slept in the bottom room. He 
had only just time to run up stairs : his wife and five children were drowned in their beds. Helliwell 
himself was saved by being dragged through the floor of the house above. 

It appears that some person had run down the valley when the embankment burst, to give the 
alarm in Holmfirth. Near the Lower Mill this messenger was met while running, crying " flood ! 
flood!" by several young men returning from Holmfirth, but being unable to utter anything more, 
he sank, thoroughly exhausted, on the ground. The company at once suspected the true cause, and 
immediately commenced giving the alarm through the neighbourhood ; but in less than five minutes the 
flood arrived. 

The Upper Bridge was dismantled : the water rising many feet above the battlements. A small 
cottage, situate at the corner of the bridge, occupied by Enor Bailey and his family, was swept away. 
His wife and two children were drowned, but himself narrowly escaped. 

The Hollow-gate is a long narrow street, which runs parallel with the river. The inhabitants of this 
locality suffered severely. The bed of the river was completely choked up, and the current diverted from 
its usual course. On the side next the river stood the toll-bar house, kept by Samuel Greenwood, who, 
with his wife and child, were swept away. He was seen to come out of the house with a lighted candle 
in his hand : he returned, closed the door, and in a moment or two not a vestige of the house could be seen. 
Lower down, on the same side of the street, was an extensive warehouse, occupied by Messrs. Crawshaw, 
curriers, whicli was swept away, as also a cottage, in which John Ashall, witli his wife and child, perished. 
Another cottage adjoining these premises met a similar fate. It was occupied by a labouring man (John 



Jfl00irs in fyt p0ln« OTleg. 235 

Kaye), with whom lived his son-in-law and daughter, with their child. The three latter were drowned ; 
while a remarkable deliverance awaited the old man, who was driven by the force of the current into 
Victoria-square, on the opposite side of the river, a little lower down the street. He was seen floating on 
the water by a person, who at once stretched out a pole to the drowning man, and rescued him from almost 
certain death. 

On the further side of the Hollow-gate the occupiers of the houses and shops, sustained great damage, 
but no loss of life. 

At Rotchet, also (a continuation of Hollow-gate), much damage was done. James Lee, tailor, perished, 
and it was a matter ef surprise that the house did not come down. Lee and his grandson, Job, were 
down stairs at the time, making clothes for a funeral. The flood burst open the door, and the old man, 
unable to help himself, was drowned. Job managed to swim about the house, and fortunately his cries 
were heard by a man and his wife, who lodged in the house, and were sleeping up-stairs. They 
immediately ran to his assistance, but found themselves unable to open the chamber door ; with their feet, 
however, they managed to force out one of the panels, and pulled him through. 

The battlements of Victoria Bridge were swept off. The shopkeepers on Victoria-street suffered great 
loss : especially those situated near to the river. 

The destruction of property was very great in that part of the town extending from the Ribbleden 
Brook to the White Hart Inn, which forms a closely compacted and populous part, and is principally 
occupied as shops. A considerable part of the houses occupied by Mr. Charles Marples, and Mr. W. D. 
Martin, watch maker, situated near Victoria Bridge, were swept away : fortunately their families were 
enabled to make their escape. The flood, in this part of the town arose to a considerable height. 

The church sustained no very serious damage ; but a most remarkable proof is afforded in the church- 
yard of the amazing power of the flood. One of the massive pillars of the gateway was lifted from its bed, 
twisted halfway round, and yet, singularly enough, left to maintain its perpendicular. 

Immediately opposite the White Hart Inn stood the dwelling occupied by Mr. Shackleton (a retired 
publican), his daughter, and granddaughter. The flood did great damage to the house, and washed away 
the furniture. A desperate and successful effort was made to rescue the inmates from their perilous 
situation. 

The Holmfirth Mill, then occupied by Messrs. Nathan Thewlis and Co., and employed in the woollen 
manufacture, was assailed by this mighty torrent, which rushed through the two low stories, smashing the 
machinery, and inflicting a great amount of damage. Adjoining the mill were two cottages — one occupied 
by Richard Shackleton, weaver, his wife and three children ; the other by Sidney Hartley (engineer to 
Messrs. Nathan Thewlis and Co.), his wife, eight children, and an apprentice boy (John Dearnley). Both 
these cottages, together with the families, were swept away, except three little girls, the children of 
Sidney Hartley, and the apprentice boy, who, being suddenly floated up to a part of the roof which yet 
remained, caught hold of the rafters and clung to them. When the flood began to abate, John Dearnley 
got upon the roof, and assisted the little girls to do the same, and ultimately enabled them to gain a place 
of greater safety. 

Below the mill, near to the river side, were some large dye works, in the possession of Messrs. John 
Roberts and Son. The destruction of these premises was most complete. Between the dyehouse and 
the mill was the dwelling-house of Mr. John Roberts, which was entirely gutted. 

On the opposite bank of the river stands the Wesleyan Chapel, surrounded by its burial-ground. A 
part of the grave-yard was washed away to the depth of several feet, near the corner of the chapel, which 
yet stood firm. The chapel was flooded to within a foot of the top of the pews. 

FF 2 



236 



Jflooofos m % Holm* Mleg. 



On the same side of the river, nearer Victoria-street, was the residence of Joseph Charlesworth, Esq., 
J. P., which was flooded to a great height : being at one time completely surrounded with water. The 
damage done was considerable. The residence of Joshua Moorhouse, Esq., J. P., was also flooded; and 
the extensive warehouses, dyehouse, &c, belonging to the same gentleman, were entirely destroyed. 

On leaving Holmfirth, the river is crossed by a county bridge, leading to the Railway Station. Great 
damage was done to this bridge, the whole of the battlements being carried away. Near to the bridge, on 
the right-hand side, stood the cottage of George Exley, the front of which was washed away, together 
with some outbuildings. The family had a narrow escape. 

The valley from Holmfirth to Lockwood forms a fine sweep of meadow land : the hills rising rather 
precipitately on each side, richly clothed with wood, and along the valley are several handsome residences 
and stately factories. On this fatal morning it presented a most deplorable aspect, being overspread with 
timber, broken machinery, dead cattle, human bodies, mud, stones, and all kinds of debris. 

Although only one life was lost below Holmfirth (a child at Smithy-place), many persons very narrowly 
escaped a watery grave. At Bridge Mill, Thongs Bridge, Mytham Bridge, Smithy-place, Honley, and 
Armitage Bridge, considerable loss of property was sustained, both in goods and machinery ; but the mills 
and factories were not seriously injured. 

A sight so appalling as that which we have here but faintly described, and consequences so disastrous 
and overwhelming to the inhabitants of the Holme Valley, and which for a time seemed to paralyze the 
energies of the people, speedily enlisted national sympathy. The loss sustained was in the first instance 
estimated at £250,000 ; but, at a subsequent period, was found to have been considerably overstated. 
After all the schedules had been received, the amount was ascertained to be £67,224 10s. 9£d. : exclusive 
of a claim of £33,000, made by the mortgagees of the reservoir. 

" It must not, however, be supposed that the above figures by any means represent the total amount of 
loss actually sustained, (they) not including either the amount of losses for which no statements have been 
sent in, or that to which manufacturers and mill-owners have been subjected by the stoppage of their mills, 
and in some cases by the entire suspension of their trade." 

The following are the names of the persons who perished in the flood : — 

HINCHLIEF MILL. 



NAME 


AGE 


NAME 


Fold-gate. 




Bose Charlesworth 


James Booth 


... 60 


Hamer Charlesworth 


Mrs. Booth 


44 


John Charlesworth 


William Healey 


... 46 


James Charlesworth 


Fold-head. 

Mrs. Brook 

Hannah Brook 


... 30 
10 


Joshua Charlesworth 

Kuth Charlesworth 

Joseph Dodd 

Mrs. Dodd 


Water-street. 




Sarah Hannah Dodd 


Joshua Crosland 


... 39 


Elizabeth Dodd 


Charles Crosland 


14 


Joshua Earnshaw 


Joshua Crosland 


... 21 


Charles Earnshaw 


Mary Crosland 


19 


Abel Earnshaw ... 


Hannah Crosland 


... 17 


Ann Beaumont Earnshaw ... 


Martha Crosland 


15 


Betty Earnshaw (lived with 


Foster Crosland 


... 8 


Mctterick) 


Ralph Crosland 


3 


William Exley 



lQE 

38 


NAME 

Nancy Marsden 


AGE 
40 


9 


Eliza Marsden 


45 


7 


Joshua Marsden 


14 


14 
14 


Joseph Marsden 

James Metterick 


16 
60 


1 


Jane Metterick 


3 


48 
30 


Mary Metterick 
William Metterick 


36 

38 


1 


Samuel Metterick ... 


21 


7 


Alfred Metterick 


8 


70 

30 

5 

12 


Joseph Metterick ... 

Dyson's Mill 
Jonathan Sandford 


1 

45 




Sarah Jane Sandford 


9 


30 
26 


Emily Sandford 

Ellen Wood 


3 

22 



Jffoofrs in % Jlfllntt M%. 



237 



NAME 

Upper Bridge. 
Mr. H. Bailey 

— Bailey (daughter) ... 

— Bailey (infant) 

Hollow-gate. 

John Ashall 

Mrs. Ashall 

Alfred Ashall 

Mrs. Fearns 

Lydia Fearns 

Samuel Greenwood 

Mrs. Greenwood 

Ann Greenwood 



32 



. ... 36 

30 
. ... 2 

30 
.6 months 

46 
. ... 46 

12 



NAME AGE 

Mrs. Hartley 39 

Martha Hartley 16 

James Hartley 14 

Elizabeth Hartley 3 

Ellen Ann Hartley 1 

George Hartley 3 months 

James Lee 65 

Richard Shackleton 31 

Tamer Shackleton 23 

Hannah Shackleton 2 

James Shackleton 4 

Grace Hirst Shackleton ... 4 { 



HOLMFIRTH. 

NAME AGE 

Eliza Matthews 12 

Charles Thorpe 14 

Scar-fold. 

George Hellawell 9 

Sarah Hellawell 6 

Elizabeth Hellawell 4 

Mary Hellawell 28 

John Hellawell 2 

Ann Hellawell 1 

Alfred Woodcock 13 

Sarah Woodcock 11 

Mill-hill. 
Sidney Hartley 40 

HONLEY. 

Smithy-place. 
Elizabeth Healey 8 

An inquest was held by George Dyson, Esq., of Halifax, the coroner for this division of the West-Riding 
of Yorkshire, on the bodies found, before a respectable jury, on the 6th of February, the day after the 
flood, for the purpose of making a judicial enquiry into the circumstances of this dreadful occurrence. 
The enquiry was adjourned from time to time until the whole of the bodies found had been received by the 
jury, when verdicts of " Found drowned after the bursting of the reservoir," were returned in every 
instance except one — that of Eliza Marsden, aged forty-five ; the enquiry into the cause of whose death 
was reserved until all the circumstances connected with the bursting of the reservoir could be gone into. 
The enquiry terminated on Friday, the 27th February, when the following verdict was arrived at : — 
" We find that Eliza Marsden came to her death by drowning, caused by the bursting of the Bilberry 
Reservoir. 

" We also find that the Bilberry Reservoir was defective in its original construction ; and that 
commissioners, engineers, and overlookers were greatly culpable in not seeing to the proper regulation of 
the works. 

" And we also find that the commissioners in permitting the Bilberry Reservoir to remain for several 
years in a dangerous state, with a full knowledge thereof, and not lowering the waste pit, have been guilty 
of gross and culpable negligence. And we regret that the reservoir being under the management of a 
corporation, prevents us bringing in a verdict of manslaughter ; as we are convinced that the gross and 
culpable negligence of the commissioners would have subjected them to such a verdict, had they been in 
the position of private individuals, or a firm. 

" We also hope that the legislature will take into its most serious consideration the propriety of making 
provision for the protection of the lives and properties of her Majesty's subjects, exposed to danger from 
reservoirs placed by corporations in situations similar to those under the charge of the Holme Reservoirs 
Commissioners . ' ' 

While the scenes of this dreadful catastrophe were visited daily by thousands of persons from all parts 
of the kingdom, meetings were held in many of the principal towns in Yorkshire and Lancashire, in aid 
of the sufferers. Meetings were also held in London, Birmingham, Derby, Glasgow, and many other 



238 jflourtm ht % folmc Mkg. 

places, for the same purpose. But to the gentlemen of Huddersfield and its neighbourhood, the inhabitants 
of the Holme Valley are under especial obligations, not only for the very munificent sums subscribed for 
the relief of the sufferers, but for their active and untiring efforts in enlisting the sympathies of others in 
the more distant towns. Without attempting to enumerate those who so worthily employed their time, 
and exerted their influence in this direction, among whom were ministers of all religious denominations, 
may be mentioned the names of John Brooke, Esq., J. P., of Armitage Bridge, Chairman of the United 
Committee of Huddersfield and Holmfirth ; the late William Leigh Brook, Esq., J.P., of Meltham Hall, 
Chairman of the Holmfirth Committee ; J. C. Laycock, Esq., and John Freeman, Esq., solicitors, 
Honorary Secretaries. 

No time was lost in ministering to the wants of the houseless and the destitute. Committees and sub- 
committees were appointed to visit the sufferers, and to report their necessities. Some to distribute 
clothing, food, and money ; others to direct the search for the bodies of the drowned ; others, again, were 
employed in ascertaining the loss sustained by the operative class ; while some undertook the direction of 
clearing away the debris from the watercourse, &c, in which the operatives, who had been thrown out of 
work, were principally employed. In this way the most active exertions were made to relieve the pressing 
wants which had arisen out of this sudden and calamitous visitation, while the response of the nation to 
this urgent call of suffering and distress resulted in a subscription amounting to the munificent sum of 
£69,422 8s. 4d. : affording an almost unparallelled instance of spontaneous public charity. 

It has already been stated that the loss sustained by the flood had been over-estimated ; but it must 
be observed there were a number of parties who, though heavy sufferers, sent in no schedules of their loss, 
and made no claims upon the fund. 

The claim which was set up by the mortgagees of the reservoirs to a share in the benefit of this national 
liberality, was negatived by the Central Committee ; but it was subsequently agreed that the sum of 
£7,000 should, under certain conditions, be appropriated " for the repairs of the Bilberry Reservoir." 

" An application was made to parliament by the Committee of the Holme Reservoirs, for increased 
powers for the restoration of the reservoirs. 

" The United Committee immediately sent that body a statement of their views as to the provisions 
needful to be inserted, for the protection of the public against a similar disaster, and for settling certain 
differences existing between the commissioners and mortgagees. Negotiations were set on foot between 
those parties, which resulted in obtaining the consent of the mortgagees to sacrifice their eight years' 
arrears of five per cent, interest, and accept, in future, two and a half per cent." On the passing of this 
act the Central Committee transferred to the commissioners the aforesaid sum. 

The United Committee were, however, now placed in a somewhat novel position, in having to deal 
with funds virtually committed to their care, which amounted to a sum beyond what the necessities of the 
case were deemed to require. The United Committee, in their report to the Central Committee, dated 
27th January, 1854, state, " In presenting their final report, and bringing their labours to a close, your 
committee desire to express the deep sense they entertain of the munificent liberality manifested by all 
classes of the British public, in order to alleviate the sufferings occasioned by this sad accident. In the 
arduous duties which have devolved upon them, your committee have endeavoured to do justice to the 
sufferers, and carry out the views of the subscribers with all possible fairness and discrimination. In 
apportioning the grants, your committee are aware that they have not altogether escaped the charge of 
illiberality. But they could not divest their minds of the fact that the subscriptions were raised in the 
first instance in consequence of statements made during the excitement of the moment, and which, after 
careful investigation, turned out to be much over-estimated ; and the losses in many instances to have fallen 



Jfkotrs in tlje jMme Mkg. 239 

on those who were not properly objects of public subscription. The parties who had subscribed thus 
liberally, looked to your committee to see that their bounty was conferred upon proper objects ; and 
several of the towns placed only a portion of their subscriptions in the hands of your committee, reserving 
to themselves the appropriation of the remainder. These circumstances entailed on your committee a 
large amount of responsibility, which they have endeavoured to discharge according to the best of their 
judgment ; and though the labour has not been small, the pleasure of becoming the medium of adminis- 
tering comfort to the sufferers in their extremity, and preventing the ruin of great numbers of tradesmen, 
has amply compensated your committee for all the labour they have undergone." 

The sum distributed among the sufferers amounted to £31,344 18s., exclusive of the sum of £7,000 
granted for the restoration of the reservoir; and a balance of £31,011 lis. Id. was returned to the 
subscribers. 

With a view to perpetuate the remembrance of this " unparallelled munificence of the public," the 
following memorial, addressed by " A Committee of the Inhabitants of Holmfirth and its vicinity, for 
considering and determining a plan of recording by an enduring and appropriate Public Memorial, the 
Catastrophe that befel the Valley of the Holme," . ..." To the Central Committee of the Holmfirth Relief 
Fund," was unanimously adopted : — 

" Your Memorialists have met from time to time since the close of 1852, and have approached their 
duties under a deep conviction of the solemnity of the circumstance of a calamity which spread desolation 
and death throughout the valley, and of the ennobling grandeur of the nation's liberality, in ministering so 
abundantly to the relief of distress. 

" That they have desired at once to consecrate the memory of the past in the recollection of their 
children's children by a Monumental Tablet, and to perpetuate the lesson of practical benevolence by 
imparting to their memorial some form of permanent charitable usefulness. 

" That, guided by these consideration, and having carefully weighed the respective merits of various 
other charitable objects, such as a Dispensary, Savings' Bank, Baths and Wash-houses, they have suggested 
the expediency of the erection of Almshouses at Holmfirth, to be held for ever upon trusts and for purposes 
hereafter to be defined. 

" That, in furtherance of the general object, a subscription was sometime ago set on foot, the proceeds 
of which, however, are inadequate to the accomplishment of the kind of memorial herein contemplated. 

" That your Memorialists believe that such object would be acceptable to the Subscribers to the Relief 
Fund, as a mode of disposing of any balance that may still remain unappropriated. 

" Your Memorialists, therefore, while gratefully acknowledging the seasonable grant of Fifty Pounds, 
made by your Committee for the relief of the distresses of the poor of Holmfirth, during the late inclement 
winter, respectfully and earnestly commend the object herein proposed to the favourable consideration of 
your Committee." 

The memorial was presented at a meeting of the Central Committee, held on the 25th April, 1855 : 
John Brooke, Esq., chairman. The following resolution was adopted : — 

" A Memorial having been presented by the Inhabitants of Holmfirth, relative to the erection of Alms- 
houses, as commemorative of the national liberality in connection with the Flood of 1852 : 

" Resolved, that the balance in the hands of the Committee, after the payment of all expenses, be 
appropriated to that object. 

" That the following Gentlemen, namely : — William Leigh Brook, William Burrows, Joseph Firth, 
Jun., Esqs., J. C. Laycock and John Freeman, be a Committee to carry out this Resolution, and to see 
that the Grant is appropriated to the object for which it is voted ; and unless such object be carried out in 
two years, such balance be handed over to the Huddersfield Infirmary." 



240 



Jflonbs in fyz Holme MUg. 




Almshouses. 

Having decided upon erecting and endowing five almshouses, a piece of land was 
generously given by Cookson Stephenson, Esq., for the building site, near to the 
Railway Station. The subscription which had been entered into, together with 
the grant which had been made by the Central Committee, were found only 
adequate to the erection and completion of the building. A question arose, how 
sufficient funds were to be raised for their endowment, for which a thousand 
pounds was required. At this juncture the ladies of Holmfirth, with ready hands 
and benevolent hearts, proposed to have a bazaar, which was readily assented 
to, and was entered upon with much spirit. The bazaar was held on the 17th, 
18th, and 19th days of September, 1856, when the noble sum of £1,000 was 
realised. 

The design and plans of the Almshouses were furnished by Mr. Hill, architect, 
of Leeds. The foundation stone was laid on the 21st April, 1856, by C. S. Floyd, 
Esq., on behalf of the Provincial Lodge of Freemasons. 

In its exterior the building is very ornamental, having a small but elegant spire, 
and from its elevated situation, is rendered a very conspicuous object. The 
interior of the houses are rendered very complete and comfortable. 



jflorabs in % point* Mleg. 



241 



In a niche in the tower a tablet is placed, bearing the following inscription : — 

" ' IN DEI GLORIAM.' 
" These Almshouses built and endowed by Public Subscription, and by the proceeds of a Bazaar promoted 
by the Ladies of the neighbourhood, as a memorial of the Holmfirth Flood, caused by the bursting of 
the Bilberry Reservoir on February 5th, 1852, by which 81 lives were lost, and an immense amount of 
property destroyed ; and as a further memorial of the National Munificence for the alleviation of that 
calamity, are dedicated to the Poor of the Townships of Holme, Austonley, Cartworth, Wooldale, Upper- 
Thong, Nether-Thong, and Honley, for ever. MDCCCLVI. 

Inscription over the entrance gateway : — 

" The following are the names of the 14 original Trustees appointed by the Deed of Trust made 
between Cookson Stephenson, the donor of the land, of the one part, and the several gentlemen whose 
names are appended, on the other part : — 



Holme 



f C. B 

Austonley .. .< 

(.J. H 

/J 

Upper- Thong \ 



Cartworth 



J. E. Morehouse, 

S. WlMPENNY. 

C. Brook, Jun., 

ARPIN. 

moorhouse, j.p., 
Jas. Charlesworth. 

(G. HlNCHLIFF, 

' (.James H. Farrar. 



Wooldale 



/Joshua Charlesworth, J. P., 
' (.James Bates. 

y (.M. Kidd. 



Nether 

„ , /G. N. Nelson, 

Honley ....•<_ _ 

(.G. Robinson. 

William Hill, Architect." 




242 



g^panbi*. 



\f 


o 


P 
Pi 
CD 


|> Q 


P. 
CD 


t> 


> 


p 

o 


o 

£ 


P 


O 

£ 


p 

o 


P 
O 


<T> 


n> 


•n 




CD 


Tt 






P 


p 


CD 


p 


P 


CD 


p 


P 


e*- 




p 


c*- 




P 






O 


2 


p. 

CD 

P 


o 


9 


P. 
CD 

a 


CO 

P- 


CO 

p" 


o 


m 


<r»- 


o 


o 




•p 


1-! 




CD 


o 




CD 


O 


P" 


n- 


re 




p< 


CD 




p. 


CD 








p. 


CD 




p. 


p.. 


Pi 






^ 






>=l 


CD 


Wl 



03 ; 


■ m 


tn. ; 


. ; B 


W- : 


: • M 


•d: • 


: • f 


F" : 


• : h 


td; 


: W 


■4. = 


. M 



DO 

M O) to O 

o> to o o 



tsi fed H 
p P .. P 

2- 8- o £. 




Q 



2- 2. p- ct' p. 



M ^ P. 

2. CD 
CD 13 
CD 



& 5" „ 

P" CD i-< 

^ CD CD 

;— 1 . CD 



M &■ 

O P 
H P 
CD =*" 

o 

p. 
p. 



a ^ *a 

p* CD >-t 

p g S' 

p* £ £: 



2! CO 



& co p- 
£ ° 2- 



H 



H 



to do i-ig ; 

O H OO Cl (» iM?l 
O) O O *■ W M2" 



fed fed fed fed ft ^ 

oo8-oo2.2-op-.oo =5 



•CD CD 

p, p, 



CD 



&t 



O <3 t> t> 
£. P P P 
P. 

Sap 

2 o 



<3 *d c3 ftf e^ t> 



p p 



& B 

CD S» 

p- £ 



§ CO co 

£ £ sr 

2. p- £ 



t> 


> 


N 


p 


P 











4 
















p" 


P 





p. p 

° M 

p. O 



CD P- 

&, 2. e 00 





0» CD 


CO 


CO 


CD 


:M: 


. td : 


: t ■ 


**: 


. : 


■W: 


: tf ■ 


.UJi 



CD P 
P- CD 

o <4 

p. p 

a p; m< 
•=) «5j *d 

2, u & 

. c r >- 

CO o o © 

4 -P- 3 



^ 



.-is _i P cT 



fed 


fed 


^ fe 3 3 tzj 

£. 

r*- c»- c* ^ «-»- 


3 3 t* fel (2j g 

c+ €^- c* irt- er»- Pi 


P. 


P. 



!z{ tzjtzjtzjtzjteifejtzli^ 
o 0000000 c& 






cr 

in 

Cc' 



SJJ 



CC7* 
*-t- 

ccr 
^> 

» 

*-(♦ 
TO 

c<5^ 






ccr 
♦^ 

®r 
CC7" 



^ppHtoi*. 243 



A Schedule of the Lands, etc., belonging to the Vicae of Kirkburton. 

(See page 61 .) 

A. R. P. 

A dwelling-house or mansion, called the Vicarage, with barns, stables, gardens, &c, and 

ancient glebe lands in Burton 35 2 11 

Awarded to the Vicar at the enclosure of the Common lands in Burton 19 3 4 

Ditto ditto ditto Shelley 32 1 20 

Ditto ditto ditto Cumberworth-Half in Burton 7 3 24 

Ditto ditto ditto Thurstonland 30 3 

All the foregoing allotments were set out in lieu of vicarial tithes, and all ecclesiastical 
dues, except Easter offerings, mortuaries, and surplice fees 
Awarded to the Vicar at the enclosure of Common lands in Shepley, in full compensation for 

all vicarial tithes, Easter offerings or mortuaries (surplice fees excepted) 26 37 

Awarded to the Vicar at the enclosure of the Common lands within the graveship of Holme, 
in lieu of the vicarial tithes, Easter offerings, and mortuaries (surplice fees only excepted), 
in the townships of Fulstone, Wooldale, Hepworth, and Cartworth, viz : — 

An allotment on Whitley Common in Wooldale 104 

Ditto Blackstone-Edge in Hepworth 170 

Ditto Brown's-Edge in Hepworth 31 

Ditto Sudehill in Fulstone 24 

Total 457 3 



The Endowment of Holmfieth Chueuh. 

(See page 165 J 
" In the body of the church and chancel there are 645 sittings, for which is paid to the Incumbent one 
shilling a sitting. For the gallery on the north-side and west-end is paid four pounds six shillings and 
sixpence. For the gallery on the south-west is paid one pound three shillings and sixpence. 

"A parsonage-house, gardens, &c, and five closes of land called the Heys, which contain together 
4a. 1r. 15p. 

" Two messuages and lands at Deanhead, in Scammonden, in the parish of Huddersfield, containing 
by estimation thirty-three and a half days' work, with a right of pasturage on Scammonden Common. 

" A close of land called Spink's Mire, situate at Meltham Mills, in the township of Meltham, 
containing 1a. Or. Op. - 

" Certain small annual rent-charges, amounting to nine shillings and sixpence, paid upon some houses 
built upon what is commonly called the Chapel Acre." 



ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. 



Page 4, — The author is indebted, through Mr. John C. Giles, to Lieutenant Penrice, R.E. of 

the Ordnance Survey, for the sketch of these earthworks, which are more clearly 
shown than they appeared when inspected by the author. Even at the time the 
survey was made, the ground was partially levelled and brought into cultivation. 
There seems little doubt that the trenches shown in the plan are Roman, but the 
circular ridges which appear between the trenches and the road are British. 
,, 35, — for 250, the number of English statute acres in Cumberworth-Half (High Division), 

read 476. For £3,120 annual value, read £1,264. For 1,200 English statute 
acres in Fulstone, read 2,040. 
40, line 15 — et sequent. For de Bar read de Barr. Same on pp. 42-3. 



51, 
103, 
120, 
141, 
154, 

165, 
200, 
223, 



3-5 — for Thoae read Thoac. 
24 — for Stowell read Sotwell. 
1 1 — for ohn read John. 

27 — for Wombwell, Woodhead, read Wombwell-Woodhead. 

35-6 — for The enclosure of common lands of this township took place in 1816, com- 
prising, read Common lands added at the graveship of Holme enclosure. 
— William Norris was Incumbent of Holmfirth in 1688. 
6 — for Charles S. Brooke, read John Charles Brooke. 
— It is stated that it was not till 1788 that Mr. Wesley first visited the Holme Valley. 
This is an error. He records in his journal, 1769. "July 8th: I went to 
Halifax. My old friend Titus Knight offered me the use of his new Meeting, 
larger than Dr. Taylor's at Norwich, full as superb (so he terms it in his poem), 
and finished with the utmost elegance ; but I judged more people would attend in 
the open air : so I preached in the Cow-market to a huge multitude. Our house 
was well filled at five in the morning. At ten I preached in the New House at 
Thong ; at two in the Market-place at Huddersfield, to full as large a congregation 
as at Halifax. Such another we had at Dewsbury, in the evening ; and my 
strength was as my day." 

Towards the expense of building the chapel at Thong, in 1769, Conference 
granted £104. In 1772 Conference made another grant of £13 towards liquidating 
the debt. 



INDEX. 



Advowson of Kirkburton 

Almshouses, Holmfirtb. 

Almonbury, parish of 

Austonley, township of 

(St David's) Church ... 

Barr, Joan de 

Bilberry Reservoir 

Blackhouse 

Booth's Charity 

Bray's Charity 

British Remains 

Brockholes 

Burton, Parish Church of 

Vicar of 

Monumental inscriptions . . 

Township of 

Cross 

Independent Chapel 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.. 

Primitive Methodist Chapel 

Butterley Hall 

Cartworth, township of 

Castle Hill, in Denby 

near Almonbury 

Civil Wars 

Clapham, Sir Christopher 

Clifton, Sir Gervas 

Collier's Charity 

Coins, Roman 

Cumberworth-Half (High Division) 

DigleyMill 

Dodsworths of Shelley 

Dogley-Lane (Independent) Chapel 

Earnshaw's (Alderman) Charity ... 

(John) Charity 

Farmer's Charity 

Floods in the Holme Valley ... . 

Friends' Meeting House 

Fulstone, township of 

Hall 



PAGE 
. 48 

240 
. 206 

216 
. 217 

. 42 

229 

. 121 

83 

. 202 

4 

. 124 

58 
. 64 

70 
. 75 

79 
.. 80 

81 

.. 82 

152 

.. 205 

4 

.. 9 

20 
.. 46 

46 
.. 196 

.. 110 

.. 232 

86 
.. 90 

... 212 
214 

... 83 
226 

... 198 
149 

... 149 



Gatehead (Primitive Methodist) Chapel 
Grice 

Hade-Edge (Wesleyan) Chapel 

Heeley 

Hepworth, township of 

Hinchliff Mill 

Wesleyan Chapel 

Holme, graveship of 

township of 

Holmfirth 

Chapel ry and Chapel 

Lane (Independent) Chapel 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 

Free Church ... 

Horsfall's Charity 

Jackson Bridge 



• Wesleyan Chapel 



Jackson's Charity 

Kayes of Burton 

Shelley 

Milshaw 

Longevity, instances of 

Luddites 

Lydgate (English Presbyterian) Chapel 

Manufactures 

Marsden's Gift 

Marsh Hall 

Milshaw Hall 

Mealhill 

Moorcroft 

Newmill 



Christ Church 

Newton's Charity ... . 

Pedigree of Allott ... . 

G oldthorp . . . 

Hopper... . 

Horsfall ... 

Kaye ... . 



PAGE 

202 
95 



205 
93 
197 
217 
217 
133 
208 
170 
155 
219 
222 

82 

201 
201 
194 

77 

88 

. 199 

. 14 

32 

. 180 

. 28 
196 

, 119 
198 

. 200 
179 

. 149 
152 

. 154 

. 148 
102 

. 92 
117 

. 78 



248 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Pedigree of Kirshaw 92 

Shepperdson 92 

Stone 105 

Sykes 92 

Triggott 77 

Plague in Kirkburton 10 

Hepworth 197 

Preliminary Remarks 1 

Quakers' Meeting House 198 

Rebellion, Scotch 25 

Rectory of Burton 48 

Dewsbury 206 

Riley 80 

Roman Coins 7 

Roydhouse 95 

Rushbearings 167 

Scholes hamlet 204 

Shelley, township of 84 

■ Independent Chapel 96 

Wesleyan (New Connexion) Chapel 96 

Shepley, township of 99 

Church 108 

■ Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 108 

(New Connexion) Chapel 108 

Soke Mills— graveship of Holme 143 

StagwoodHill 150 



Stocks 

StorthesHall 

Stubbin 

Thong, Upper, township of 

(St. John's) Church 

iAne (Independent) Chapel 

Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 

Free Church... 

Thurstonland, township of 

Episcopal Chapel ... ... 

■ Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 

Tinker's Charity 

Totties 

Trade and Manufactures .. 

Upper-Thong, township of 

Wakefield, manor of 

Warren, Earls 

Wilson's Charity 

Woodhouse 

Wooldale, township of ... 

-Hall 

Woolrow 

Yateholme 

Yeomen, origin of 

Yew Tree 



PAGE 

118 
114 
216 

218 
219 
219 
222 
225 
111 
130 
130 
204 
174 
28 

, 218 

38 

40 
195 

94 
172 
172 

94 

211 
16 
80 



H. ROEBUCK, PRINTER, HUDDERSFIELD. 



.c C 



